On Tuesday, March 1, 2011, there were candles on the tables at Helium Comedy Club which has created a new excuse for everyone to see great stand-up in Philly. The inexplicably named Bird Text, a group founded by comedians Luke Cunningham, Tommy Pope, and John McKeever, launched its new showcase — appearing monthly. It features national touring comedians with an a line up of Philly’s own — promising a great show. I was excited for the first installment, below are the minutes of the meeting:

7:58 – I walk into the show, $10 at the door.
8:12 – I receive my first drink. A Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA.
8:26 – The House announcer requests me to turn off my cell phone and silence my beeper. I comply.
8:27 – Luke Cunningham takes the stage, walking on to a song that I have not heard over the PA at Helium before. Typically, its some rousing song from a broadway musical — I think it’s from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” I make note of it as it’s the first time I’ve heard anything else.
8:28 – Beer 2 arrives, this time Lager.
8:29 – Luke Cunningham breaks the mic stand. This is not unexpected, two minutes into his set, as he is both gigantic and hilarious.
8:36 – Enjoying Luke’s set, until a foul oder strikes my nose. Someone around me farted.
8:38 – Luke introduces Andrew Rupert and Eric Oliver — two members of Brotherly Love, Philly Gay Men’s Chorus. For each act this evening, Eric and Andrew will come out and harmoniously deliver one of that act’s punch lines. I think it’s a put-on and they are comedians.
8:40 – A dapper Steve Gerben is introduced.
8:40:30 – Beer 3, Lager is delivered.
8:44 – Steve probably makes the guy in the Phillies hat next to me a little uncomfortable, as well as the guy in the Phillies hat next to him uncomfortable. No idea how the other 3/4ths of the room with the Phillies hats on felt, but we were all laughing.
Continue reading JUST THE MINUTES with Joe Moore (Bird Text Comedy Show)