GO!
In a world populated with cookie-cutter comedians, Emo Philips’ unique world view has always separated him from the pack. Philips, who performs at Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub through Sunday, Nov. 15, recently shared his thoughts with us on a number of topics.
Q For years you were the only Emo around. Now there’s emo music. What do you think of this pop-culture development?
A As a comedian, I made the name Emo famous from the mid-’80s through the early-’90s. Then I took a few years off to do my laundry and read a book or two, and the next thing I know, sometime in the mid-’90s, or perhaps even later (I actually have no idea ... I’m a polka man myself), there’s this music genre called emo.
Oh, well. At least I can take solace from the fact that my dad, Bebop Philips, and my grandfather, Dixieland Philips, suffered the exact same fate.
Q Performers often have unusual hobbies. What pastime activities of yours might surprise people?
A I like to play chess with old men in the park. Of course, the tough part about playing chess with old men in the park is finding 32 of them willing to stand still for hours on end. The trick is to put the decrepit ones up front.
Q Some comedians say humor comes from anger and frustration? What emotions fuel your comedy?
A Some comedians are inspired by anger and frustration? Wow! Thanks for the tip! I think I’ll write about emo music ...
Q It’s been awhile since you released a new CD. Do you have plans to release a new one soon?
A I am currently working very hard on a new CD. It will be released when the government meets my demands.
Q Finish this sentence: In a perfect world ...
A ... it would have been called Carrot Top music.
How to go
Who: Emo Philips
Where: Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., Dayton
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14; 8 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 15,
Cost: $12 Friday and $15 Saturday, $7 Sunday,
More info: (937) 224-JOKE (5653) or www.wileyscomedyclub.com
Artist info: www.emophilips.com
CONTACT contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.
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