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Bunch of news. Business stuff first, OK?

SHANE KINNEY'S COMEDY SHOWCASE ON SUNDAYS HAS BEEN CANCELLED!

NOW ON THURSDAYS!!!!

Yes, it's true. No more me on God's day. What's happening is the club is changing formats on Sunday's to introduce and promote the awesome Comedy Connection Improv Company. They're a great group, and I'm sure you will enjoy them. This coming Sunday (2/15/04) will be my last show, but the Improv company will be featured. So come down and check 'em out, you will not be disappointed!

As for me, I will be repositioned onto Thursdays, starting immediately. My feelings are, well, a little mixed, but way more towards the positive end, than the negative end. In some respects, It's a bummer because I absolutely LOVE the freeform aspect of Sundays. It has been the most growth I've encountered in the one short year I've had, and an equal growing experience for the comics involved. I've also busted my butt promoting this show, and I stand proud of what was accomplished.

On the positive side, moving to Thursdays is a great thing. The format is a tad different; I'll host as I do on Sundays, but the headliner for the weekend will close the show. It takes a bit off of my back, and makes the show better. This sounds like fun. It also allows me to have Sundays off, which I haven't had in 5 years. Either way, I'm eager for my new position, and can't wait to dive in headfirst.

As for the experience, let me tell you, hosting a showcase is HARD WORK. A lot of people (comics included) have no idea what one has to go through to pull off a good show. As a host, it's your job to make everybody else look good, and to set a good flow. This is tough work, tough work that I love, because it makes you so much stronger. It is the best job for a fearless comic who loves challenges, and for that I will ALWAYS be indebted to Oliver and Sarah at the Comedy Connection for providing me with this opportunity. I truly am the luckiest comic to live down the street from the greatest comedy club on the planet, and I mean that. Thank you both.

So, change is good, and I'll jump on the horse to fill as many seats as I can on another night, and I'm counting on YOU, my loyal followers, to follow me there. There's a bunch of regulars that are always great to see, and thank YOU so much for always coming out to sit through a lot of the same jokes just to see what new stuff I had come up with. As a comedy fan myself, I envy that dedication. It's the most flattering tribute a comic can receive, because remember, no comic is perfect, we are all “works in progress.” Your dedication to the enjoyment and success of my show leaves me so appreciative, and hungry for the next assignment! I'll see you there!!!!!!!!!!

NAMM

I recently attended the NAMM (National association of Music Merchants) show in Los Angeles. It is a HUGE show, where all the manufacturers, buyers, sellers, and rock stars converge for one big gear fest, concerts, eating, and drinking. Needless to say, I was in drummer heaven. I spotted all the cool new gear; all the cool stars, and got ridiculously drunk. (Thanks to Bob Rupp and Glenn Noyes for the drinks)

Bob Rupp had to walk me back to the hotel one night, as I was experiencing some vomiting from the 8 or so shots of Jaegermeister. I took it easy the next night, let me tell you.

Yamaha drums hosted “Groove night” which was based around the retirement of the inventor of the modern drum set, Takashi “Hagi” Hagiwara. It was great for me as a Yamaha drummer to take part in this legendary evening. It featured an absolute KICKING 16 or so piece band, with the drum stool rotating for every song. The drummers were Yamaha's top artists, so needless to say, this 4-hour event felt like 10 minutes. It never relented, drummer after drummer coming out, all playing like the champs they are, and quite a surprise entailed as well. Russ Kunkel came out to kick the tubs, and brought along his friend, Jackson Browne. I'm quite a fan of JB, so it was very cool. It was one of the best nights in memory. A smashing trip. Thanks to Chris D, Bill P, Tracey P, and everyone involved for making it so fun. An extra special thanks to Bobby Jarzombek, one metal's BEST drummers, for the hang and free videos. Go to www.bobbyjarzombek.com and check out some clips from his upcoming DVD. He will blow your mind. Trust me, I know this stuff.

IRON 'KIN MAIDEN

I've made it known quite often to people I know, and on this site how I feel about Iron Maiden. It seems that all my updates include them. They are my guilty pleasure; I work hard and don't spend much, except on Maiden. I'll travel high and low to se them as much as I can.

They have been my icons since I was 12, and not a bit has changed. To me, they are the best hard rock act in history, ask me and I'll tell you why. And their drummer, Nicko McBrain, has been a huge influence on my playing, and he continues to do so. He is one of my heroes. I don't get star struck, ever…by anybody, but the thought of meeting Iron Maiden is terrifying.

Enter Tim Shahady. Tim is my good friend from Paiste cymbals. Tim did what he could to pull some strings for me, and my good, it worked.

I was just entering New York when my phone rang.

“Shane, it's Tim Shahady.”

“Yo bud!” I responded.

“I just got off the phone with Nicko McBrain. He said to meet him at the Hotel --- for drinks after the show.”

“Uh--------------“

End transmission.

Yep, my dreams came true, yet I remained skeptical. Krista was sure it would happen, as I tried to remain cool. The concert was incredible, as Maiden always delivers, and I called my cousin Nate to fill him in. The only thing he said was “I can't stand it. I just can't stand it.”

Moments later, we are all at the hotel, and I open the door, and there's Adrian Smith. Oh ma gawd. He is followed by Nicko, who seemed delighted to meet me. He ordered a Merlot, and went up to shower. He cam back a few moments later with his wife, Dave Murray, and Bruce Dickinson. Oh ma gawd.

I got drunk with Iron Maiden. Yes, I'll say it again. I GOT DRUNK WITH IRON MAIDEN!!!!!!!! The pics are on the pics page, check 'em out. It was the zenith of my existence up to this point. I feel that I can die now. Oh ma gawd. I got drunk with Iron Maiden.