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Labor Day 2009... my favorite weekend of the year.  Because it signifies the end of a hot summer and me sweating?  No.  Because I get Monday off from work.  No (in fact, I worked Monday). It's my favorite weekend of the year for one reason and one reason only: The National Buffalo Wing Festival.  This year I was joined by my good friend and fellow comedian RIck Matthews, and we brought a camera along to share the experience all of you.  It's actually a 2-part episode... part 1 is more of a build up to the actual wing eating and chronicles the anger of Rick Matthews... part 2 is where we get to the eating.  You can view the videos by visiting my YouTube channel, youtube.com/TheChetWildShow, or by viewing below.
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After trying wings from dozens of locations, Rick and I actually chose our favorites.  Despite choosing different wings, we actually chose wings from the same location - and this was no coincidence.  Pesci's Pizza and Wings was hands-down the winner across the board.   Even though it's a restaurant from the Buffalo area, it was the first time Rick and I had both heard of it.  Rick chose the Maple-Cinnamon chicken wing, which is basically what you would want in a chicken wing if you would like to eat them for breakfast.  I chose the Wild Turkey Bour-B-Q, a BBQ wing with a sauce that has a base of Wild Turkey Bourbon.  
A few honorable mentions: Pesci's (again) for their AWESOME "hawg wings"... basically, they're pork short-ribs thrown on the grill and covered in wing sauce.  If Jesus likes BBQ, this is what he eats.  Also, Danny's Restaurant for a kick-ass chicken wing mac-n-cheese.  And lastly, my favorite from last year, Arooga's out of Harrisburgh, PA.  The Sudden Death made our camera man tear, and the Kangarooga and Almost Everything wings were amazing!
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Also, don't forget about Rust Belt Comedy Presents: Open Mic Comedy Night at Merge this Wednesday.... 9:30pm sign-ups, 10pm show. 

Additionally, Thursday is an actual Rust Belt Comedy show at The Blue Wall in South Buffalo.  9:00pm show, $5/door, and special guests Nigel Larson, Eric Lingenfelter, and Dan Rice will be doing sets as well.  It's going to be a great night!

Lastly, I recently had sit-down interviews with comedians Mike Dambra and Rich Vos, so be on the lookout for some very intriguing future episodes of Behind The Funny.  Thanks for all the support!

CW
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Below is a revised edition of Episode #103 "Behind The Funny"... I made the mistake of posting video from my own showcase without getting explicit written permission from all comics which became an issue for one.... wah-wah.  Oh well, check out the NEW and IMPROVED edition of Episode #103 which also includes a sneak peak at Episodes #104, 105, & 106 which I'm pretty pumped about.
Also, I'm doing 3 shows with Rich Vos this weekend and have a few comp tickets, let me know if you want them.

CW
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Hey friends, Episode #103 of "Behind The Funny with Chet Wild" is now out... it's basically a highlight reel from the showcase I hosted last Thursday at 'The Comedy Club' in Rochester.  I received a lot of positive feedback about Episode #102 with "The Bob"... so if you want more of him, I'm sure you'll enjoy his appearance in this episode.  Episode #104 has already been put together and features Mike Dambra, so be on the lookout for that!   *NOTE: I took the original Episode #103 down as I made the mistake of posting clips of everyone's performances without gathering their explicit written permission which became an issue for one of the comics.... wah-wah.  A new revised edition has been posted on the blog above which also includes previews of Episodes 104, 105 & 106... enjoy!
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Here's a picture of some of the comics from the showcase.  Thank you to everyone who came out, it was another 100+ audience turnout and the comedy (as you can see in the video above) was great!  The show still ran a little long, so I'll be tweaking the next one a little to keep the show around 90 minutes long (this one was 2.5 hours in length).... call-outs to be booked in advance for the September showcase are out now and due to me by 5pm on Tuesday, September 1st.  Comics - get all the details by joining the facebook group. 
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This Wednesday is also the big kick-off show, "Rust Belt Comedy Presents: Open Mic Comedy Night at Merge".... 9:30 sign-ups, 10pm show... free to attend.  If you haven't been to Merge before, it's a fantastic venue and should provide for some great nights of comedy.  For more info, join the facebook group. 

Lastly, I have a few calendar updates - including some shows I've been added onto opening for Rich Vos... how sweet is that?

September is shaping up to be a kick-ass month of comedy as I'm on the dais for the Roast of Chris Scherr, headlining The 5 Shots Comedy Show, launching a new open mic in Buffalo, not to mention shows with Rich Vos and Jim Florentine.  I'll catch ya at a show soon!

CW
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Thanks to everyone who watched the first episode of "Behind The Funny"... I know it was a little dry, but we all have to start somewhere.  I decided to kick it up a bit for the 2nd episode, featuring stand-up comedy and an interview with schizophrenic comedian "The Bob"... so buckle up and enjoy!
Also, if you're free tomorrow night (Thursday the 26th), check out the showcase I'm hosting at The Comedy Club in Rochester... 9pm and it's free!  Here's the facebook event link. 

Much love.
CW
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A lot of awesomeness has happened in the last week and much more awesomeness is soon to come, so I'll try to keep this short.  I'm starting a new video series entitled Behind The Funny with Chet Wild.  It's an online video series that takes a behind-the-scenes look at stand-up comics, the life of Chet Wild, and other happenings in the world of funny. This first episode is a sit-down with actor-standup-magician-ventriloquist Gemini. Enjoy the interview and stay tuned for more episodes to come soon!
This past Friday, I was on the cover of The Buffalo News with my other friends from Rust Belt Comedy.  Check out the story and video by clicking here.  And then today, Punchline Magazine decided to run with the story as well, even featuring a video of stand-up from Rust Belt Comedy.  You can view the article here.
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Lastly, don't forget about "Chet Wild's Comedy Showcase" this Thursday (see info on the post below).

Lots of exciting stuff!  As always, thanks to everyone who's been supporting me as well as everyone who's been coming out to support live and local comedy - you're all awesome.

CW 
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It's never too soon to start promoting . . . having an audience of 200 in WNY for a showcase is unheard of . . . let's do this!

Here's the facebook event link.

Below is the poster . . . see ya there!
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I've been getting a lot of inquiries about the next "Chet Wild's Open Mic-a-Palooza" at The Comedy Club in Rochester. . . the first one was amazing!  30+ comics and 100+ audience, most of whom actually stuck around for the entire show.  Given the success of the first one, this will now be a monthly event - but will be a showcase format to keep the show to a reasonable length.  There will be a number of slots booked in advance as well as a number of open slots that will be drawn for the night of the show - click on the "Open Mic & Showcase" link on the left or join the Facebook group for info/details.  

Although without a full-time comedy club, the Buffalo comedy scene has been doing pretty good for itself.  As of this September, there are rooms/stages featuring local comedians every Monday through Thursday, as well as a slew of weekend shows.  The one thing that seems to be missing in the Buffalo comedy scene right now (besides a club) is an actual free show where comics can come and work on new material in front of a fresh audience.  So, starting in September, I'll be working with the rest of Rust Belt Comedy on "Rust Belt Comedy Presents: Open Mic Comedy Night at Merge."  This will take place the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, sign-ups at 9:30 and show-time at 10:00pm.  It's a great room with a sweet stage and pro lighting/sound setup.  If you're a comic - come on out and try your new stuff.  If you're not a comic, come on out and enjoy a free show!  You can read more info on this by clicking the "Open Mic & Showcase" link on the left sidebar.

Here's a few new pics from Open Mic-a-Palooza, working with comedy legend Bob Nelson, and an open mic out in Niagara Falls.
More good stuff to come, see you at a show soon!
CW
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There's a new weekly late night internet talk show based out of Rochester called "BRICKNiTe with Bricknet" (co-hosed by Nick and Brett - thus Bricknet).  I was invited to be the guest on their second show.  The interview and most everything else (besides my set) is unscripted - so enjoy the mass chaos.  It's a little strange at first - but I'd like to think it's kind of like "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job" - either you get it or you don't.  5 parts: part 1 is their opening monologue, part 2 is my stand-up, part 3 is an awkward interview, part 4 is chaos, and then I just hijack the show in part 5.  Below is Part 1 (the show monologe) - you can view the whole show by clicking here and watching it from a YouTube playlist. 
Also, the next 5 days are going to be kickass.... check it.

TONIGHT (Tuesday 7/28) - Doin' Time Comedy Showcase at Nietzsche's (248 Allen Street, Buffalo) - It's a "Best of Doin' Time" showcase and The Buffalo News will be there covering it.  10 of the best comics Buffalo has to offer for only $3.  Show starts shortly after 8:00pm.
WEDNESDAY 7/29 - I'll be on 95.1 The Fox doing The Wease Show LIVE from Buffalo Bills training camp.  They'll be interviewing me at 7am and I'll be hanging out on-air until 11am plugging Open Mic-a-Palooza and the Bob Nelson shows happening this weekend at The Comedy Club.
THURSDAY 7/30 -  Chet Wild's Open Mic-a-Palooza (Facebook event link) at The Comedy Club in Rochester.  Show starts at 8:00pm and is free to get in - come check out some of the best up-and-coming comedic talent in Western New York.   
FRIDAY/SATURDAY (7/31-8/1) - Bob Nelson is headlining at The Comedy Club and yours truly will be his opening act and MC for the weekend.  7:30pm and 10:00pm shows both nights.  I have a limited number of free tickets, so drop me a line if you're interested.

....livin' the dream, kids.
CW


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While out in LA last month, I had the opportunity to do a set with Chase Roper (Punchline Magazine), Bret Ernst (Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show), and Kyle Cease (1st place winner of Comedy Central's Stand-up Showdown).  No one in the crowd knew what we were doing before hand, and everything that came out  of our mouths was improvised.  Confused?  Just watch and you'll have a better idea.

Chase is a very funny guy - you can check out his blog n' whatnot at www.ChaseRoper.com. 

Also, take a listen to The Wease Show in Rochester on 95.1 The Fox this Wednesday morning.  The show broadcasts live from Buffalo Bills Training Camp and I'll be on air to plug Chet Wild's Open Mic-A-Palooza at 7am and will be hanging out on air throughout the morning. 

Thanks for reading, internet.
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So I keep saying to myself “Oh, something awesome happened – I should write about it” . . . I’ve been saying that for 6 or 7 weeks and now I’m going to give the “Readers Digest” version of what’s been going on with me since the end of May.  I also realize that I receive some scrutiny for rambling about whatever I’ve been doing . . . for those it bothers, just stop reading… cool?  Cool.

In May I set a goal for myself . . . at the end of the month (when my contract for my job ended) I was going to challenge myself to see how much stage time I could really get when I didn’t have to worry about work being in the way.  Needless to say, I started off doing 9 paid shows and 3 open mics in a 10 day period, not too shabby for a summer start, eh?  I got to do my first show booked by Danny Liberto  with Joe Cumbo and Patt Duffy at a nightclub  in Hornell, NY.  This was particularly cool for me because Hornell is right down the road from where I went to college – and I was able to incorporate some of my college experiences into the show.  I also hopped up to Dan’s new open mic the following week in Rochester . . . I was 8th on the list and the room was a little slow (a couple attentive comics and some people zoning out at the bar) . . . however, right outside the door was a back patio full of 20+ softball players.  So, when I was brought up to the stage I quickly unplugged the amp and set myself up right outside the door and started doing stand-up for the beer-leaguers and their ladies . . . I don’t even know what jokes I told, I was just having fun seeing the confused-as-shit looks on everyone’s faces.  They ended up brining a spotlight out on the deck and the other 6 or so comics finished out the night with an attentive (albeit drunk) crowd . . . . comedy outside under the lights, pretty sweet – right?  Everyone seemed to have a good time with it, unfortunately a few bitter old guys in the back (who are hardcore patrons) bitched about it so the open mic there already got canned.  It’s all good though – Dan’s got 2 new rooms in Rochester now . . . all he needs is a heavier PA so I can’t plug-n-play, ha.  I’ve only been to 2 of Dan’s open mics – and the other one was in a wrestling right where I ripped off my shirt and did a topless set . . . I don’t know what it is about a Dan Liberto room, but they tend to bring out the crazy in me – thanks for being a good sport and all the support, Dan!

Rust Belt (www.RustBeltComedy.com) has been keeping active over the summer as well and we kicked off a series of monthly summer comedy shows at both The Blue Wall in South Buffalo and The Beachcomber on Conesus Lake.  The Blue Wal has been  a particularly fun room and hopefully something we can continue to do year-round. 

After doing a series of opening and guest sets at The Comedy Club in Rochester, I got a break and was offered to MC for 5 main even shows with Dave Coulier (yup, Joey from TV’s “Full House”).  Little-known fact: Dave Coulier is a chick-magnet.  At the first show, 3 strippers from The Klassy Kat showed up and, well, showed things . . . like 5 minutes into his set Dave was bombarded with bras and shortly after, panties.  The funny thing is, this was the one weekend The Comedy Club let kids come to the show given the Full House fan base.  Whether you like his comedy or not, Dave Coulier is honestly one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.  I got to spend a lot of time just shooting the shit with him and honestly, it was like hanging out with Joey from Full House – it was surreal.  Here’s a few pics from those shows (and yeah, I got dragged on the bull again):

Unfortunately, my good friend Gately, who was the main house MC, was let go from his radio job (despite winning 2nd place in Rochester Radio Madness) – and decided to move to Chicago.  As it turns out, the 5 Dave Coulier shows were kind of my audition to get a regular MC spot at the club.  I did a 10-minute clean opener for each of the shows, and it turns out I did so well that the club decided to make me their new main house MC . . . . so, starting in August, I’ll be working 3-4 weekends a month at The Comedy Club – that’s 15-20 shows in front of a live comedy crowd a month – I am totally freakin’ pumped.  I’ll get to work with Jim Florentine, Dom Irrera,  and Jamie Lissow – just to name a few…. So let me know if you want tickets to any shows and I’ll try to set you up. 

I’ve also been working on a new project, BuffaloComedy.com, which is a website dedicated to promoting the local talent of Buffalo comedy scene (standup, improv, sketch, and otherwise).   The site launched at the start of June in conjunction with promoting the roast of Buffalo Sabre hockey legend Rob Ray.  I was able to write a few jokes for the roast as well as produce a video for it (see below).

I wasn’t able to attend the roast myself as I decided to attend a comedy bootcamp Kyle Cease put together out in LA.  Due to stormy weather, it took me 30 hours from the time I set foot in the Buffalo airport until I finally got to LA – I actually slept in a San Francisco baggage terminal, but the shitty flights were totally worth it.  I got to spend 4 days with a group of ridiculously awesome people where we worked on our craft at the new Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Studios in Hollywood.  All 4 days, including our showcase, were filmed with a 3-camera shoot for a DVD that will eventually be released.  I got to appear on KTLA morning news, work with a whole bunch of big-name headlining comedians (even met 2 guys who got their start in Buffalo), and most importantly – I was able to spend time with an amazing group of newfound friends who are a wonderful source of both support and inspiration.  I could write page after page on the experience, but instead – I’ll point you to an article in Punchline Magazine written about the event – check it out HERE. 

Below are a few pics from my trip:

Upon getting back from LA, I began packing up my belongings, as I needed to be moved out of my apartment in Geneseo by the end of June.  I threw all my stuff in a storage unit and have now been living at ‘home’ with my parents for the past 2 weeks.  It’s a little weird; it’s the first time I’ve been home for more than 3 nights in a row in over 6 years.  I was holing off on moving into a new apartment until I landed the GA position I wanted.  Fortunately, I was offered the position I wanted last week.  So I’ll be going back to school full-time this year to finish up my Master of Science and will be working part-time as a GA to cover tuition and hopefully pull enough money to keep some cable on the TV and food in the fridge.  I’m apartment shopping this week and start my GA work next week – Buffalo here I come!  It’ll be nice not having to drive an hour and a half each way to do comedy in Buffalo as well as having the opportunity to be more active in the comedy scene.  Coincidentally, I’m now about an hour and a half away from The Comedy Club in Rochester which I’ll be at 3-4 weekends a month . . . oh well, I’ll just have to suck it up and get some good tunes to rock the weekend road trips. 

It’s been a little under a year since I first stepped on stage and gave stand-up comedy a shot.  I still can’t believe how many awesome people I’ve gotten to meet and work with only being less than a year in, but I’d like to take a moment to thank some people who’ve been tremendously awesome to me.  First and foremost, Kristen Becker and Rick Matthews in Buffalo – without you two, I wouldn’t be doing this at all.  If this is where we are almost one year in, I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for us a few years down the road.  Nigel Larson, Billy Anglin, and Ralph Tetta out in Rochester – shootin’ the shit and pickin’ ideas off of you guys has been great thus far, and I hope to continue to regularly cross paths with you guys.  Joe T. and Mark at The Comedy Club – thanks for giving me a chance and putting your faith in me, I won’t let you guys down!  Ben Delozier for keeping me sane at work and also being my chauffer when I totaled my car but still needed to get to shows.  All Buffalo and Rochester comics for their influences.  Miche’ Fambro – all this craziness kind of started with our guitar lessons and all those discussions about what I’d really like to do on stage.  Stephen Rosenfield, Greg Colett and all my friends from ACI – it’s great keeping in touch with you guys and you’re all awesome.  Vinnie Cocca – for finding me that tiny coat.  Ted Greenberg for going out of his way to provide insight and advice from NYC.  Tim Young for having me do a bunch of opening spots at college shows really helping me get some valuable college stage experience.  Kyle Cease for taking me under his wing as well as Kevin Cease, Julie Kline, David Lew, Don Zollo, Eric Chollo, Chase Roper and EVERYONE from my trip to LA – the support and inspiration you provide is simply awesome, I truly can’t wait to see each and everyone of you again – and the great part is, I probably will!  Casey and Andy – you guys help keep me grounded, and also put a lot of time and effort into ridiculous projects, I can’t thank you enough!  Pete Johnson – good things to come man!  Nick Johnson and everyone else working on “Harold” long-form in Rochester, we need to get together more often!  Spencer – all the encouragement in getting my feet wet with college shows as well as being safety net for my ideas.  My parents – for the future money I’ll likely need to loan if I really want to make this thing happen.  PLUS all of my friends from high school, college, Geneseo, and wherever else that have come out to support comedy shows, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been surprised by people I haven’t seen in years showing up to shows because I posted something on facebook  -simply amazing. 

For these first 11 months, I’ve focused largely on getting my name out there some and finding lots of stage time to work on my comfort on stage.  Now that I’m starting to feel more comfortable with my stage presence, it’s time that I get to the real work and start writing more – a lot more – and a lot deeper.  It’s time to start digging and figuring out who I am and what I want to say, because to be completely honest – I still don’t know… I just go up on stage and have fun.  But it’s time to start opening up and hopefully providing a shared experience that audience members can both laugh at and connect with.  I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but nothing worth doing is (yup – cheesy after school movie advice).  Chapter 1 was just an introduction and is now in the books . . . Chapter 2 starts now . . . 

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