Venues
Events
VideoSpoken Word
Interview: Eugene Mirman
The comedian talks about his festival, held Sept. 16-19
| | More
Before the beginning of the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, Encore spoke to Mr. Mirman about his dream comedy lineup, getting recognized on the street and Phil Ochs:
When did you first decide to have a comedy festival and, beyond that, name it after yourself?
Both happened at the same time. After a show at Union Hall, I was joking around with Mike Birbiglia and Julie Smith (who produces the weekly show I do and the festival) and said that I was going to do a comedy festival called the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival. Then I said I obviously wasn’t going to do that, because it would be ridiculous. Then Mike and Julie said it would be ridiculous, but that I should do it. So now it’s the third year we’re doing it.
Which acts are you most looking forward to seeing this year?
I’m excited to see Emo Philips. I’m really looking forward to the Bourne trilogy/espionage themed show. There’s really only nine shows, so I’m excited for much of it. Daniel Kitson is coming over from the UK to do a few sets. David Cross and Jon Benjamin are doing Tinkle, which I’m very excited for. We have a show called A Night of Gay or Foreign Comedy, which features either gay or foreign comedians (and one that is both!!!).
What’s something that will always be funny to you?
I’m not sure. Most likely some critiques and advice given to me in a descriptive writing class I took at Mt. Holyoke in 1995.
You have a history of bringing together bands and comedians; do you find there to be a natural familiarity between the two?
Sure. I think there is a common aesthetic, spirit and mutual admiration that brings a lot of musicians and comedians together. Sorry about my boring, but truthful answer.
Since you’re on Sub Pop, do you only listen to Nirvana, Mudhoney and Soundgarden?
You would have no way of knowing this, but I get this exact question a lot. And the answer is, yes. Those are the bands I listen to. Along with Aerosmith and Phil Ochs.
If someone sees you on the street, how do they finish the sentence, “Hey, you’re the guy from…”?
High school. Sometimes they mistake me for Dave on Flight of the Conchords, though.
You’re curating the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festivals to end all Eugene Mirman Comedy Festivals, who’s on the bill? Can be living or dead.
Everyone that I have on this year plus Tig and Mark Twain. And Bobcat Goldthwait. And pre-1978 Jethro Tull.