The Bitter Buddha

[urbpan]

If you like stand-up comedy you should know who Eddie Pepitone is.
There's a documentary about him called The Bitter Buddha which is currently playing at selected theaters and is also available on Amazon and iTunes for instant download. Eddie's standup is completely original, amazingly dynamic and athletic, and funny as hell. I saw him perform at the ImprovBoston last Monday. Even though I'd heard him on podcasts (he's the standard closer for live WTF shows) and seen his routines on YouTube, I wasn't prepared for how engaging he is as a live performer. He's often described as "a comedian's comedian" and has been on the edge of superstardom for decades. It must be frustrating for him to see other big yelling comics get more famous than him and then flame out. He's very different from people he might be compared to like Sam Kinison or Lewis Black, in that he has a vulnerability and authenticity behind the funny rants; he is insecure and self-searching even as he rails against the corporate machine.

His tweets are excellent. Recent example "Etiquette: When destroying your life and the lives of others ALWAYS tip 20%." He stars in the youtube single panel comic "Puddin.'"

Recently he married a good friend of mine from high school, and it's nice to be acquainted with him.

If you are in New York or Chicago you can see him in the next few days. Schedule here. EDITED to add--apparently he's at SXSW right now. Why not? Everyone else is.

Comments

[ssorca19.livejournal.com]

oh! so people in other places know what sxsw is?! interesting! I never knew of it till it started taking over my life every march....

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

I'm mostly aware of it because so many of the people I follow on twitter are there.

[lisianthia.livejournal.com]

Whoa, you look 15 years younger when you smile.

The Bitter Buddha

[karen simmons (from livejournal.com)]

Yup, I'm that good friend of Jef's from high school that just recently married Messer. Pepitone, and I'm so glad that two of my favorite fellas from different eras of my life have finally met face-to-face! They certainly have a lot in common when it comes to being compassionate, funny & creative (and both being such big animal-lovers, too!)! One of these days Eddie & I will have to go on one of your infamous Urban Nature walks if we ever make it out there to the Boston area together!

Re: The Bitter Buddha

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

I would be delighted to lead an Urban Nature Walk for you guys! I'd also be happy to show you my favorite vegan restaurant(s)!