by Wendy Liem

What do you get when you have seven Asian comics gathered in one room?  Laughter heard around the world. That was exactly what happened at Tom Teska’s Chopshtick event, hosted at the Gotham Comedy Club in January. Well, not exactly, but the effort was there. 

The night was hosted by an Indian comic who introduced himself as Aladdin. Although he was able to work with the audience and demonstrated lots of effort, many of his jokes fell flat. Even his attempt to poke fun at a newly wed only amounted to a few smirks and slight giggles. 

Tom Teska, a Korean American who spearheaded the event, was also surprisingly tasteless. His cynical and bitter humor only made the audience squirm uncomfortably. As his jokes concentrated on his adoption and Viagra, there were only a few brave souls who appreciated and applauded his humor. 

Fortunately, to put the show out of its misery, its switched gears to lighter and more mainstream comedy. Among the few comedians who I must admit had my stamp of approval was the lively and animated Air Tabigue. As a Filipino American and the renowned winner of the East Coast Pan Asian American stand up comedy competition, he found humor and inspiration through his mom, school, and of course, New York City. The laughter was deafening as he floored the crowd with his first joke about his family name. “I was peeing in my pants,” one girl said.

Air Tabigue

Dan Kim, also a Korean American, was also able to bring it home with his jokes on Asian gangs and his views on Korean women. His distinct loud and bravado stage voice added to his comedic performance, which in turn gave it that extra kick.

Wrapping up the show was Ryo Kioke, a Japanese comic, who also starred in NBC’s Last Comic Standing. His calm attitude combined with his sharp wit made a lasting impression. His descriptions of the sizes of 'wangs' in America and Asia that led into how '69' in the US would look like '11' in Japan had the audience rolling.

Overall, the evening turned out to be a colorful and sociable night. Asking Air Tabigue what he thought of the show, he responded jokingly, “It got off to a rough start but then AIR TABIGUE rocked!”  Well, that’s a comedian for ya! 

http://www.tomteska.com/chopshtick.html

Ed Note: Air Tabique will open for Rex Navarette at the Wang Center at Stony Brook University on March 8th.

March 8  Joke Only!: The Comedy of Rex Navarrete
Wednesday, March 8, 8:00 p.m., Wang Theater
Funny man Rex Navarrete tackles the issues of home life, family, race, and religion with good-natured stabs at his own Filipino culture and American society. Long Island's own Air Tabigue opens the show. The zany Jay Amplo hosts. Be warned –nothing is sacred. Co-sponsored with the Philippine United Student Organization (PUSO). Tickets: $5 students w/ ID, and seniors; $10 general admission; $25.00 VIP reserved seating. Please reserve your tickets at wangcenter@stonybrook.edu or call 632-4400.