About Flagpole. (Athens, Ga.) 1987-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 23, 2011)
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+) OCCUPY HALF-MOON HOLIDAY SALE Thanksgiving Deals for the 99% (and the 1%) SELECT WINTER STYLES UP TO 30% OFF patagonia ARC’TERYX MOUNTAIN ^Columbia Marmot HORNY TOAD *> Hurry! These Great Deals end 11/29/11! Five Points - Athens 1225 S Milledge Ave 706.548.7225 Mon-Sat 10 am-7 pm Sun 12-6 pm www.halfmoonoutfitters.com WE ACCEPT BULLDOG BUCKS! Haif-mooN OUTFITTERS IT Dec. 3 rd at the 40 Watt ■ 75 musicians randomly assigned into trios will play their first and last shows ever! A' - Featuring members of over 50 local bands including: Elf Power, Quiet Hooves, of Montreal, Casper & the Cookies, The Olivia Tremor Control, Supercluster, Grogus, NEVER, Venice is Sinking, Bit Brigade, Bird Names, The Gerbils, ■ The New Sound of Numbers, Mouser +MORE j&ii xJ IIH Sponsors: flagpole Bel^Jean ££&& - - , ... - — NOVEMBER 23, 2011 FLAGPOLE.COM 17
