NOW ON YOU TUBE: NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO/TV SHOW  with special guests comedian Mike Marino (running for President)  and Super Bowl Champion Tim Wright with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz  7-28-15

LINK TO YOU TUBE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFgxms5LZNk&feature=share

Yes, it was a really great show with the lightning fast funny comments from NJ Bad Boy of Comedy Mike Marino who is running for President and the introspection and insights from Tim Wright, a 3^rd year NFL player who had his Super Bowl ring prominently displayed. Both guests have Jersey shore roots. Mike              (   mikemarino.net   ) also talks about his upcoming big concert in Asbury Park at the Paramount Theater on August 15^th and Tim Wright (    www. THEWRIGHTWAY ACADEMY.ORG   )  talks about his Wright Way Academy and Friday Night Lights camp for kids teaching them athletics, academics and life and of course NFL experiences.

There’s even a monologue about bio- magnetism and integrative medicine and the institution of moving and downsizing.  It’s a very special hour.

And now we’re also pleased to announce that the show also can be seen on Long Branch Community Television Channel 20 (LBCTV20) the entire month of August.

LINK TO YOU TUBE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFgxms5LZNk&feature=share

‘FUNNY’ COMING ATTRACTIONS: MIKE MARINO BACK IN JERSEY FOR 2 CONCERTS; FRIDAY APRIL 24^TH  and Friday May 1^st

I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Marino for the last three years since I first met him at the Asbury Park Comedy Festival.  Why not; I love to laugh for 90 minutes straight each and every time I see him; it’s this stressful world we live in. Mike has a unique handle, a release and grasp of our world.

It’s funny, every time (which is several times a week) I go in to one of those convenience stores, some with those strange birds in their logo, and I pass by the computer station to order sandwiches, I stop, stare, smile and think of Mike Marino. And I know customers see me smiling and they must think I’m a little out there. But Mike makes me smile and laugh even when he’s in California, a few thousand miles away.

The genius of Marino’s humor is to take our modern (expletive omitted) lives and shove it under a comedic microscope.  And when you see him in concert, you get a chance to see the ‘Marino’ face; how he loves to laugh with the audience at his own humor; that genuineness and warmth draws us in and embraces. Even more than that, my being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike on stage, I can’t help but see Jack Benny, who had one of the greatest comedic facial expressions as well as incredible timing. Benny was Johnny Carson’s all-time favorite; Mike Marino’s expressions and timing is right there with Jack Benny.  His concerts are a happening especially when he’s back home in front of a Jersey audience.

Calvin Schwartz   April 22, 2015

Mike Marino’s Official BIO:

Mike Marino – affectionately known to thousands of his fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy – is one of the most unique comics of our time. He has performed in every major comedy club from New York to Los Angeles including: The MGM Grand, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, The Improv, Rascals and The Icehouse. Mike, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, can be seen nightly as a top headliner at both the world famous Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Mike was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Mike has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s Lucky Quarter

HEADLINE:  “Mike Marino – Out of the Hospital & Back on Stage!”   Mike recently finished an 8 month battle with diverticulitis on April 1^st when he had successful stomach surgery at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank. For me, the best is that he’s recovered, back on stage and ADDED  all this new  material from being in the hospital and if its Mike, it has to be hugely funny!!!!! (side-splitting)

And don’t forget Mike’s  new DVD is out now on iTunes, GooglePlay, Xbox and Sony and now also on Amazon Prime!  Currently it’s a TOP SELLER on iTunes!!!

Mike’s new website coming soon!!   http://mikemarino.net/

CHECK OUT THE FLYERS BELOW  ALSO THE AFTER PARTY FOR FRI APRIL 24^TH CONCERT IN METUCHEN

NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: SPECIAL COMEDY COMING ATTRACTION: May 17^th, Mike Marino, Sunda Croonquist, Michael ‘Wheels’ Parise  and hosted by Ronnie Marmo. Union County Performing Arts  Center, Rahway NJ   By Calvin Schwartz

THIS JUST IN:  The entire concert cast (Mike Marino,  Sunda Croonquist, Ronnie Marmo, Michael Parise) and Cylk Cozart will be in New Jersey a week before the May 17th concert  shooting  a TV pilot called “Reconstructing Jersey” which is the story of Mike Marino growing up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.   April 30^th 2014

Let me share the reasons why you all should catch this very special night of comedy. This event is celestial with the perfect alignment of the moon, earth, stars and Garden State Parkway which helps you to get to Rahway and this special comedy show.

Website for tickets and info:  www.ucpac.org

Perhaps the best way to begin a serious comedy announcement/article (oxymoron?) is to credential myself in order to strive for the utmost credibility with a growing global readership. So here goes. Back in the late 1960’s (it was so late, the summer of 1971 slipped in quietly) the Broadway play ‘Lenny’ opened to critical acclaim. Being a recent college graduate, I needed to expand my cultural horizons and saw the play and in the process discovered the genius of comedian Lenny Bruce, who thereafter set my standard of excellence in social contemporary comedy. Then 41 years later (2012), almost to the day, I discovered the genius of comedian Mike Marino in Asbury Park, a mere 55.8 miles from where I saw ‘Lenny’. Mike was performing at the first Asbury Park Comedy Festival.

Why I mention Lenny Bruce is my metamorphosis (since buying all his vinyl albums) into a 6’5” comedic snob. I need sharp incisive cerebral worldly comedy to laugh. Mike delivers that. And concomitantly (along the way), I’ve become a huge fan of Mike Marino. Why not; I love to laugh for 90 minutes straight each and every time I see him; it’s this stressful world we live in. Mike has a handle, a release and grasp of our world

The genius of Marino’s humor is to take our modern (expletive omitted) lives and shove it under a comedic microscope.  And when you see him in concert, you get a chance to see the ‘Marino’ face; how he loves to laugh with the audience at his own humor; that genuineness and warmth draws us in and embraces. Even more than that, being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike, I can’t help but see Jack Benny, who had one of the greatest comedic facial expressions as well as incredible timing. Benny was Johnny Carson’s all-time favorite; Mike Marino’s expressions and timing is right there with Jack Benny.

Then last summer, I had the opportunity (which became a thrill) to see Sunda Croonquist perform at the Second Annual Asbury Park Comedy Fest. Sunda dazzled with her sharp, quick wit (cerebral intelligent humor) and I got a chance to chat with her back stage. Sunda’s humor is rare, precious and beautiful as she is. What’s particularly meaningful for me as a comedic snob is Sunda’a ability to reach (in an extremely personal way) every single person in the audience. Hemingway wrote effectively because he lived each and every story. He drove an ambulance in World War I and then wrote ‘A Farewell to Arms,’ about an ambulance driver.

So what does this Hemingway reference have to do with Sunda Croonquist?  Of course I should (and will) emphasize you need to be there at the May 17^th concert to absorb the humor of Sunda. Shortly into her act, you’ll understand how she so effectively and personally reaches you (makes you identify) She’s this dynamo of personality and like the Hemingway of comedy(she  constructs comedy from her so many varied viewpoints of life) just made this up because I saw her last summer and I get it.

This is pretty cool and right out of my synchronistic spiritual world remembering I’m writing about this comedy show on May 17^th and in the first paragraph here, I made reference to my attachment to Lenny Bruce. Well Ronnie Marmo is the host of this comedy  evening. He’s quite an impressive producer, actor, and writer. A few years ago The Edison Valley Playhouse staged the one man show “Lenny Bruce is Back (and boy is he pissed).” Of course Ronnie Marmo had the lead in the play and of course I sat in the fifth row and I was riveted by his acting and the play and now I get a chance to see him again. Synchronicity is alive and well.

I have not had the pleasure to catch Michael ‘Wheels’ Parise in concert yet. May 17^th will be my first exposure and I’m hugely looking forward. Michael is a comedic pioneer going back to his touring with one of the most controversial comedians of the day, Andrew Dice Clay.

The preceding paragraphs help to answer and expound on my original statement; let me share the reasons why you all should join us on May 17^th at the Union County Performing Arts Center for a very funny night.

CALVIN SCHWARTZ  April 29, 2014

SPONSORS OF THE COMEDY SHOW

Mike Marino BIO:

Mike Marino – affectionately known to thousands of his fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy – is one of the most unique comics of our time. He has performed in every major comedy club from New York to Los Angeles including: The MGM Grand, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, The Improv, Rascals and The Icehouse. Mike, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, can be seen nightly as a top headliner at both the world famous Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Mike was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Mike has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s Lucky Quarter

Sunda Croonquist BIO

At a chance encounter in New York City, Croonquist was joking around at a party when she met Jackie Mason, who told her to seriously consider doing stand-up comedy and with her husband’s encouragement, took a comedy class and had her first paid gig within weeks. Her first performance was at a club called Don’t Tell Mama.

Croonquist has produced her own comedy shows including: “Femmes Fatales” one of the longest running female comedy showcases for NY’s Toyota Comedy Festival for eight years. She is also the Chairperson for the Annual “Laugh Off”, an event that brings awareness to Gilda’s Club in Northern New Jersey. This is a cancer support group that was formed by comedian Gilda Radner.

Ronnie Marmo BIO

Ronnie has produced 30+ stage plays including the critically acclaimed Bill W and Dr. Bob (which has enjoyed hundreds sold out performances over the last nine years, West of Brooklyn with Jerry Ferrara, Bent with Tyler Christopher, What the Rabbi Saw with Eva Longoria, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and  Subway Series.

Ronnie’s feature films include West of Brooklyn with Joe Mantegna (available on DVD), Limbo Lounge with Tamara Braun, Fish Without A Bicycle with Brian Austin Green, and Another Happy Ending. He also starred in the short film, Stage 4, filmed at Theatre 68.

Some of the plays Ronnie has directed include Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Love, Sex and the IRS, 68 Minutes, Saint Nick, Something About Something That Means Something, Life in Session, Resting In Pieces, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and Subway Series.

Ronnie has guest starred on Jag and Young and the Restless. He enjoyed a three-year run on ABC’s General Hospital in the role of Ronnie Domestico.

He has also starred in over 30 stage plays including two six-month runs of the one man show Lenny Bruce is Back (and boy is he pissed). He toured with the Broadway National touring company as Tony/Barry in Tony and Tina’s Wedding.

Michael ‘Wheels’ Parise BIO

25 year veteran comedian Michael Wheels Parise. ‘Wheels’ has been the opening act for Andrew Dice Clay for over 20 years stemming from their Brooklyn days back at Pips Comedy Club on Emmons ave in Sheepheads Bay.as well as numerous appearances on HBO, and Late Night Talk Shows. Wheels has starred in movies such as “Meet Wally Sparks” with Rodney Dangerfield as and “A Low Down Dirty Shame” with Keenan Ivory Wayans and Jada Pinkett Smith, just to name a few.

Wheels Also Costarred in a VH-! Reality Show called “Dice Undisputed” with Andrew Dice Clay in 2008. After spending 20 years in Hollywood California at the World Famous Comedy Store as a house favorite, he decided to make Las Vegas his new home with his family. Still having a passion for comedy and acting he decided to bring his act to Vegas and can be seen headlining all the clubs Las Vegas as well as all over the country.

Michael Wheels Parise just launched “Parise Group Productions”, a production company/marketing group. PGP Studio is located at 2790 East Flamingo Rd. Ste F Las Vegas Nevada, 89121. PGP is currently seeking podcast productions and video productions to be produced on location.

Michael Wheels Parise has been a comedian for over 25 years, most of those years, touring with the most controversial comedian of our time, Andrew Dice Clay. Starting in the comedy trenches in New York to becoming a International favorite as well at the # 1 comedy club in The world, the Comedy Store in Los Angeles CA. Wheels had one thing on his mind “Making it”. Now is his time!

Join Calvin and Tara-Jean on a radio journey through New Jersey with their stylistic stream of consciousness. They’ll be talking about great towns, people, resident talent and almost anything else blowing in the Garden State wind. Their unique brand of Talk Show is part of NJ Discover, a New Jersey based production company which proudly serves the entire state with positive informative programming.

I.  Premiere – July 2013 NJ Discover Radio Talk Show with Cal & TaraJean   Episode I

II.  August 5th, 2013 Radio Show:

III.  NJ DISCOVER RADIO SHOW:  LIVE Monday Aug 19th 8 pm.  Hosts:Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz  SPECIAL GUEST: MIKE MARINO ‘NJ’s Bad Boy of Comedy’  

 IV.  NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW: MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH from 8 TO 9 PM FEATURING Hosts TARA-JEAN VITALE AND CALVIN SCHWARTZ with Special Guest DANNY COLEMAN (Rock on Radio)

IV. NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW: Monday September 23rd from 8 to 9 PM featuring PSYCHIC JANE DOHERTY.

V.  MONDAY OCT 7 NJ DISCOVER RADIO SHOW LIVE 8 to 9 pm with special guests Michele Frantzeskos and Nancy Vazquez, writers, producers and directors of the riveting movie ‘The Right to Live’ (a film about ABUSE). tune in with Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin at:

VI. MONDAY NOVEMBER 11 NJ DISCOVER RADIO SHOW LIVE 8PM TO PM with special guests Dr. Sketchy and model Missy Heather.

VII. MONDAY DECEMBER 2ND FIRST ANNUAL HOLIDAY RADIO SHOW LIVE 8PM TO 9PM with Richard Hoynes, Zara Phillips, Tommy Pipes McDonnell, George Meyer, Pamela Moore and Jobonanno. LIVE at the JERSEY SHORE!

VIII. Special Edition Tuesday! LIVE RADIO SHOW: TUESDAY DECEMBER 10TH 8 PM: With Special Guests and Live Music including Nick Clemons, JT Bowen, Jo Bonanno: Highlighting upcoming January 11th “Big Man’s West Reunion Show” in Point Pleasant Beach. It’s ALL about CLARENCE CLEMONS!! Don’t miss this LIVE SHOW with hosts TaraJean Vitale and Cal Schwartz

IX. NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO: TUES JAN 14TH 8PM: VERY SPECIAL GUEST: CARL ‘TINKER’ WEST: UCLA, Engineer, Surfboard shaper designer, Ancient surfer, Musician, Promoter, Audio Engineer, Bruce Springsteen’s first manager, Food connoisseur, Award winning (Newport Boat Show) wooden boat restoration, Sailor, Global warming assessor, Incandescent spirit and Quintessential conversationalist. SO THERE IS A LOT TO TALK ABOUT with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz.

www.spreaker.com

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!

AND NOW ALSO LIVE AT: Hamilton Radio website!

NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: You’ve Got a Friend; Steve Conboy, CEO, ECO Building Products and the World’s Tallest Sandcastle at Jersey Shore and Lumber and so Much More.   By Calvin Schwartz    November 9, 2013

Three weeks prior to the October 29^th ceremony with a representative from Guinness World Records adjudicating the World’s Tallest Sandcastle at Point Pleasant Beach, I had a chance to interview the world renowned sculptor Ed Jarrett, who had just started construction of the sandcastle. I also knew that much of the practical realization of this most amazing accomplishment came from the sponsorship and support of Steve Conboy, CEO of ECO Building Products. As I walked around the circumference of the base of the sandcastle, I saw a red wood sign structure on the adjacent beach acknowledging the essence of this magical company, ECO Building Products, who’ve been supportive of rebuilding the Jersey shore after Sandy. The sign radiated the message, “Fire, mold, termite, and rot protected lumber.” “The best defensive lumber in the industry”  Maybe a hundred seagulls congregated just behind the sign as if they sensed being in a safe environment.
ECO CEO Steve Conboy’s Segment at the Sand Castle Evevnt

As a journalist, I set my future sights on spending time interviewing charismatic Steve Conboy. And that opportunity came on the celebration day on October 29^th, when the intricate 40 foot sandcastle was being measured by Philip Robertson from Guinness World Records to certify yet another world record accomplishment for Ed Jarrett. Several hours before the start of proceedings, while a chilly pre-winter wind blew in off the Atlantic Ocean, Steve Conboy, Steve Cassidy, from New York City Fire Department and I stood in front of the sandcastle, squinting in bright sunshine and talking about ECO Building Products and a new ‘wood’ world.

Conboy and his company came here to support the Jersey shore’s rebuilding efforts and the sandcastle too. They’ve got an amazing product and believe passionately in giving back and sharing. When Conboy started to explain his philosophy, I watched intently as his face exploded in emotion; his hands painted a picture for me that ECO Red Shield coatings on lumber is an eco-friendly (which I really love, being an environmentalist) and cost-effective alternative for protection against mold, termites, rot and fire. He told me there are no hazardous chemicals involved. His hands swept in a full circle as he talked about his goal; the protection with his ECO Red Shield lumber replacing raw lumber to become the standard in future wood construction projects. Of course I added an, “Oh wow.” It is a wow. Steve Cassidy from New York City Fire Department explained how Red Shield treated lumber in new construction projects and even applied to existing wood structures can save lives and property by resisting fire; a huge no brainier, as I thought immediately.

Good reporters do research. I knew about Steve Conboy spending time and giving ECO products to people and projects in Haiti and in New Orleans. Giving back is a soulful expression and his unique way to build a successful company. Conboy, who is a native New Yorker, has had nearly 35 years in the lumber business world and started ECO in 2007. He explained that there is this great need for change in the industry.

I asked about his treated lumber being embraced by the retail world. Indeed, retail loves Red Shield as it protects wood from mold growth while on retail storage shelves and therefore reduces financial risks. And Conboy reiterated to me that his coatings can be applied to existing structures very cost effectively.

This blew me away. Raw lumber sales in 2012 approached $94 Billion which means there is a huge opportunity for incredible growth. It also means lots of lumber today on shelves may have mold growth. Then I told both Conboy and Cassidy an interesting anecdote. I love relevant anecdotes in the middle of an interview with the sun shining on my face.  When I wrote my original article for NJ Discover’s website and Facebook page link about the Sandcastle and ECO Building Products sponsorship, one of our Facebook friends was intrigued and googled ECO. Based on everything he read, the next day he purchased several thousand shares of ECO stock. A week later, he met NJ Discover’s producer, Tara-Jean Vitale for lunch and convinced her to buy stock in ECO. Our Facebook friend just celebrated his 80^th birthday.

I could’ve talked with Steve for another hour but the celebration was near. I watched Conboy’s face light up as a color guard raised the flag for the National Anthem. He’s as passionate and dedicated a CEO as I’ve ever met in my travels. His passion is contagious. The ceremony continued with Frank Dicopoulos’ upbeat emceeing and introductions of Ed Jarrett, Hometown Heroes (a New Jersey based amazing charity) Michael Schwartz and Jennifer Barna, of course Steve Conboy and Steve Cassidy and then comedian Mike Marino and a moving musical performance by Nick Clemons. Perhaps six hundred people gathered on the beach for the lighting ceremony commemorating the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.  I sensed that in the very near future every one of those folks on the beach will have an awareness of ECO Building Products and I started to think  about the song, ‘You’ve got a Friend.’ I know most of the words. “You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am.” It kind of sums up what Steve Conboy and ECO Building did to make this special day in Point Pleasant possible. I looked; the seagulls were still there by the ECO red wood sign.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ECO BUILDING PRODUCTS GO TO:   www.ecob.net    or     info@ecob.net

and Cal Schwartz, writer:   NJ Discover.com    and   vichywater.net   and Facebook: Cal Schwartz

Mike Marino, New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy is Back in NJ for One Night Only with The Paul Marino Band and Emily Grove. Saturday Night October 19^th. A Very Special Night! Forum Theatre, Metuchen, NJ  By Calvin Schwartz

A NOTE FROM MIKE:

Hey Folks,

I’ll be performing ONE NIGHT ONLY at the FORUM THEATRE ARTS CENTER (314 Main St., Metuchen, NJ 08840) featuring the PAUL MARINO BAND!

This is a special fundraiser for the JP Stevens Baseball Teams! So please come and join me and support these kids!

For tickets go to www.leaguelineup.com/jpshawks or purchase at Civile E Tomoato Restaurant (140 Durham Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840; 732-548-7740).

Hope to see you there!

Mike

PS: In the meantime check out my latest and greatest work on youtube:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWerwOYMJQg&feature=youtu.be

A NOTE FROM CALVIN:

When I heard that Mike Marino was coming back, I cleared my calendar quickly and began letting integral parts of my world know that they need to laugh for obvious reasons; like all the ‘closed’ signs on government buildings. So perfect timing that Mike is back in his home state and joining him is The Paul Marino Band with Emily Grove. Coincidentally, I saw Paul Marino Band twice this summer in Belmar and wrote that “it was a little piece of heaven” to be listening to them perform with a Jersey shore setting sun just over shoulder.  I  love their sound.

I’ve got a 15 month history of being a huge fan of Mike Marino and the thought just occurred to me that back last May, I wrote an interesting article about Mike and my being a comedic snob and how extraordinarily funny and refreshing his humor is. So a bright bulb just went on in my left cerebral corner; why don’t I share that article again, right here on this stage. Oh and I’ve been lucky this past summer to catch Mike a few times including his hosting the 2^nd Annual Asbury Park Comedy Festival.

Now my May article:

“Mike Marino is the consummate comedian; he just makes you laugh non-stop and with timely topics (I’ll explain shortly) I discovered ‘New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy’ in 2012 at ‘Asbury Park Comedy Festival.’  And I said to myself “he’s one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen.” Point being, I’m simply a ‘comedic snob.’ Comedy is a gift and a special art form. Back in the sixties, I discovered Lenny Bruce, one of comedy’s greatest pioneers and innovators, albeit quite controversial because society was not ready for his bad words and bits. I’ve been a fan of Lenny’s ever since and ironically the Asbury Comedy Festival benefited the Lenny Bruce Foundation in 2012.

How perfect the synchronicity to catch Mike Marino that night for the first time. We had a chance to talk back stage afterwards; I marveled at his graciousness, affability and accessibility.  A few weeks later, Mike called and invited me to a gig at an experimental comedy club in Hoboken; once again he just made me laugh and laugh. He’s a cool, smooth and endearing guy with some of the best material I’ve ever heard.

Now here’s where it all gets interesting. Some of Mike’s routines I’ve actually used in a comedic way (giving him all the credit) and sometimes I go introspective and realize Mike Marino is also a genius and clairvoyant, almost with the gift of the ‘shining.’  So what do I mean by this. Mike’s comedy is so relevant and futuristic, it can be used by current politicians to propel them into major office; yes a provocative thought and so therefore I challenge my readers to catch Mike’s act, put on your thinking caps and imagination gowns and drift into the land of Honah Lee or some Jersey shore jetty or on Main Street in Metuchen.

I hope this was challenging enough for you to catch Mike on the 19th. That’s how funny this Jersey bad boy of comedy is. And take my cerebral challenge to see how certain politicians in a new evolving world should laugh and listen to Mike Marino at the same time. Wow, powerful stuff. Mike is a fascinating comedic innovator.”

Calvin Schwartz

ASBURY PARK COMEDY FEST WEEKEND Aug 23, 24 and 26th  (Aug 24th BIG Comedy Show at Paramount Theatre) BE THERE!!!!

On a personal note:  last year’s first Comedy Fest in Asbury Park was a magical hands-on (Vincent Pastore running around outside on the Boardwalk and Mike Marino being the NJ Bad Boy of Comedy) amazing fun time.  A lot of laughs of course and surprises. Same with next week for the 2nd ANNUAL ASBURY PARK COMEDY FEST.   I also like the night before the Paramount Show at the Wonder Bar (Aug 23rd) to unwind and let loose. I love the notion of comedic surprises at the Paramount. I love/need laughing for a few hours non stop. As a local  writer these past few years, I always seek the words to move, motivate and extricate folks from the confines of their sedentary sofas to come down to the shore. There are too many reasons for you all (yawl) to get to Asbury Park next weekend. Hey it’s the shore, NJ strong stuff, plenty of restaurants and art galleries and eclectic electric comedians and hosted by Mike Marino.    

Calvin Schwartz  1:11 pm  Aug 16th 2013

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NJ DISCOVER RADIO SHOW:  LIVE Monday Aug 19th 8 pm.  Hosts:Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz  SPECIAL GUEST: MIKE MARINO ‘NJ’s Bad Boy of Comedy’

This Monday. Aug 19th 8 pm LIVE NJ Discover Radio Show with Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz with SPECIAL GUEST MIKE MARINO, “New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy”

ALL PREVIOUS SHOWS/PODCASTS AVAILABLE HERE AS WELL:

http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

MIKE MARINO: “New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy.”  An NJ Discover Special Inside Look and Upcoming East Coast Tour.  By Calvin Schwartz    May 29^th 2013

Mike Marino is the consummate comedian; he just makes you laugh non-stop and with timely topics (I’ll explain shortly) I discovered ‘New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy’ last summer at ‘Asbury Park Comedy Festival.’  And I said to myself “he’s one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen.” Point being, I’m simply a ‘comedic snob.’ Comedy is a gift and a special art form. Back in the sixties, I discovered Lenny Bruce, one of comedy’s greatest pioneers and innovators, albeit quite controversial because society was not ready for his bad words and bits. I’ve been a fan of Lenny’s ever since and ironically the Asbury Comedy Festival benefited the Lenny Bruce Foundation.

How perfect the synchronicity to catch Mike Marino that night for the first time. We had a chance to talk back stage afterwards; I marveled at his graciousness, affability and accessibility.  A few weeks later, Mike called and invited me to a gig at an experimental comedy club in Hoboken; once again he just made me laugh and laugh. He’s a cool, smooth and endearing guy with some of the best material I’ve ever heard.

Now here’s where it all gets interesting. Some of Mike’s routines I’ve actually used in a comedic way (giving him all the credit) and sometimes I go introspective and realize Mike Marino is also a genius and clairvoyant, almost with the gift of the ‘shining.’  So what do I mean by this. Mike’s comedy is so relevant and futuristic, it can be used by current politicians to propel them into major office; yes a provocative thought and so therefore I challenge my readers to catch Mike’s east coast tour in June, put on your thinking caps and imagination gowns and drift into the land of Honah Lee or some Jersey shore jetty.

I hope this was challenging enough for you to catch Mike in June. He will be back in Asbury Park for the Comedy Festival this summer and I should insist you all come to this event. It’s in Asbury, the ocean is a few feet away, it’s for a good cause and you’ll laugh in a purist unbridled way. That’s how funny this Jersey bad boy of comedy is. And take my cerebral challenge to see how certain politicians in a new evolving world should laugh and listen to Mike Marino at the same time. Wow, powerful stuff. But Mike is a powerful innovator. And by the way do not pass go, don’t wait and get thee to Mike’s east tour in June.  I think I’ll get praised once you do catch Mike.

Calvin Schwartz

Mike’s East Coast Tour

Now I have an idea. Mike made this “sizzle reel” of 9:44 minutes of some of Mike’s highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ekoxUceDfLU

Website

http://www.mikemarino.net

http://www.myspace.com/getthebat

http://www.twitter.com/mikedmarino

http://www.youtube.com/mikedmarino

Email:    mikedmarino@facebook.com

Mike Marino’s Official BIO:

Mike Marino – affectionately known to thousands of his fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy – is one of the most unique comics of our time. He has performed in every major comedy club from New York to Los Angeles including: The MGM Grand, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, The Improv, Rascals and The Icehouse. Mike, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, can be seen nightly as a top headliner at both the world famous Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Mike was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Mike has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s Lucky Quarter.

After great success in film, theatre, commercials and soaps, Mike began touring the country performing at countless comedy clubs and sold out theatres in the thousands. His stand-up material ranges from cutting edge observations of everyday life to his Italian family roots; which recently spun into a T.V. pilot called “Marino’s”. His comedic style has landed him guest appearances on The Tonight Show as a regular sketch player, The Martin Short Show, Comics Unleashed, The Boomer Show, Wild Pitch, Hand Held Comedy Radio and the Rascals Comedy Hour to name a few.

In the Fall of 2008, Mike was inducted into the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame. Mike has also been featured on numerous talk shows and has hosted some of the most prestigious award shows including The Beverly Hills Film Awards, Hoboken Film Festival, and the Montreal Quintus Film Festival. He has also headlined several USO Comedy Tours and the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada.

Mike has a tongue like a razor and a heart of gold. He has the incredible ability to perform in any arena, big or small, and can cater his material for all audiences, from strictly clean to down and dirty. He has performed in hundreds of corporate functions for companies including AT&T, United Airlines, American Express, Paul Mitchell, IBM, Wella, Merrill Lynch, Sebastian Intl., Toyota, L.A.S.D., N.J. Asphalt Assoc., The City of Hope, OSIA, and the LAPD. Mike Has performed for numerous charities including Aids Project – LA, Haven House, Team earthworks, and the Eric Davis Cancer Fund. When Marino is not performing, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family on the East Coast.