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MATT MILLER
I ndividually, Joe Zimmerman, Dave Stone, Andy Sandford
and (former) Athenian T.J. Young are promising comedi
ans: "four dudes with funny jokes," in Sandford's words.
However, when their "palpable presence[s] of sexuality" and
powers to grow facial hair combine, these men become a force
to be reckoned with.
The Beards of Comedy formed in mid-2009, and its origin
story is a simple one. "Basically, we were all friends, and the
idea came up to do a tour," says Zimmerman. "I was getting
tired of traveling by myself. It all started off very nonchalantly,
but then we started getting some good shows and just stuck
with it."
"We happen to have beards and came up with the name as a
sort of parody of a hook," adds Sandford, "since it means noth
ing to have a beard."
While their beards merely unite them superficially, all four
guys share a comedic sensibility. "[Expect a] well-rounded
comedy experience—no pun intended, considering some of the
fitness levels of our members," says Stone. "It's not just four
random comics who've been tossed on the same show. We like
to look at our show as a production, not just a series of com
ics randomly thrown onstage. The four different styles offer a
very unique experience for the audience as far as getting to
see a wide range of comedy, but it is coming from a similar
sensibility."
"With comedy in general, most people are touring by them
selves," says Young. "They just show up to a gig and get paired
up with whoever's on the show. From a performance perspec
tive, we know what we're getting into. We plan the whole show
from start to finish, so we're responsible for everything and
have all that creative control."
On that same note, Stone contrasts the Beards' package act
with standard solo touring, saying, "[At a traditional comedy
show], you don't have the freedom to say, 'Hey, I wanna go
up with a guitar and sing Wu-Tang lyrics as read by Morgan
Freeman.' But with our stuff, we can do whatever we want."
The Beards' upcoming album, Cardio Mix, is due to be
released by Comedy Central Records on Nov. 22. Like the tale
of the group's origin, this milestone receives a humble men
tion by Zimmerman: "We just recorded a show at the Laughing
Skull in Atlanta, and we were able to give [Comedy Central] the
recording and they liked it. So, it worked out."
"We're definitely all very submerged in comedy and have
been for years," says Stone. "And just to have a record with
Comedy Central... They've put out so many great records."
And what does this group of heavily whiskered com
ics do between shows? "Well, we do a lot of eating," says
Zimmerman. "It's actually kind of sad how much we eat when
we're not performing... we'll likely be at Yummy Bites or The
Grill after the Athens show, hopefully with a couple of women.
But that's unlikely."
When they're not eating, the guys apparently have high
brow political discussions, as evidenced by Sandford's final,
enlightened statement: "I'd like to add that everyone who
doesn't attend this show hates America." Well put.
Kevin Craig
ft®.
WHAT: Beards of Comedy
WHERE: Caledonia Lounge
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 29,9 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $10(21+), $12(18+)
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NOVEMBER 23, 2011 FLAGPOLE.COM 17
