Notes From the Whirlpool

Hey there! Sit down, have a drink. We should get acquainted…
Me? I’m JAMES GATES. What’s that? Well, that’s a tricky question…You might call me a Wichita…what? Character? Fixture? Gargoyle? I don’t know for sure… I’ve lived in the Wichita area almost 79% of my life. Most of the time I haunt Delano and the Old Town district like they were my own personal Whitechapel—you may only catch glimpses of me, floating in the background at a bar, a show or an art opening, but there are traces of me everywhere. (Wow, that didn’t sound creepy at all, did it?) I’ve been around long enough to have met some people… And let’s face it, I’m recognizable. I’m six and a half feet tall, rail-thin with blond hair, goatee and yellow-tinted glasses—I look like the three-way love child of Andy Dick, Shaggy, and Lurch from The Addams Family.
If there’s one thing I’ve been known for over the years, it’s random, bizarre, goofy shit. Tales are still told of the time I staged a re-enactment of the Oswald assassination in front of the Bohemian Bean Co., or when I held an impromptu white-slavery raffle to pay my rent… After awhile, it just seemed a natural to go semi-pro, which I did in 2006 with the sketch comedy group PANIC BUTTONS. I’ve been performing on stages and microphones throughout the Wichita area ever since, pursuing the goal of building a live, local comedy scene. In March 2007 I started doing THE JAMES GATES SHOW, a live comedy experience based around A) the late-night talk show format, and B) a whole bunch of me. And the rest is, well, the stuff of much confusion…
Anyway, this is my log. I get to write about anything I want, anytime. I like that. Hope you do too.
Fri Oct 1

WICHITA-AREA COMEDY EVENTS, October 2010

Wichita-based Comedy Events, October 2010

·      WED, 9/30– SAT, 10/2

DAN O’SULLIVAN @ the Loony Bin, 6140 E. 21st St. (21st & Woodlawn)

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring TEAGUE HAYES and GABE PERRY)

·      SAT, 10/2

SAY WHAT?! @ Mead’s Corner, 430 E. Douglas (Douglas & Emporia)

9PM – All ages – no cover (Improv comedy)

·      WED, 10/6  - 10/9

DANIEL DUGAR @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring DANNY KEETON and DAN FRITSCHIE)

·      WED, 10/13 – SAT, 10/16

THEO VON @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring JASON BROWN and CHRIS WINSLOW)

·      SAT, 10/16

SAY WHAT?! @ the Donut Whole, 1720 Douglas (1 blk E of Douglas & Hydraulic)

8PM – All ages – no cover (Improv comedy)

Halloween-themed show, with special guest JAMES GATES

·      TUES, 10/19

99 CENT OPEN MIC @ Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

9PM – 21+ to enter – $.99 cover (18+ / no cover for performers) (Open Mic)

·      WED, 10/20 – SUN, 10/24

THE SANDMAN @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Comedy hypnotist – SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT – no feature or emcee)

·      WED, 10/27 – SAT, 10/30

DREW THOMAS @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring STEVE GILLESPIE and ACE REEVES)

…and don’t forget to visit the comedy-friendly local OPEN MICs:

·      OPEN MIC with BRANT, every Monday @ 10PM – Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

·      COMEDY SLAM, every Wednesday @ 8PM – Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn (NO OPEN MIC ON 10/20)

For any questions and/or info, contact:

James Gates:  (316) 992 -7922 – jgates01@gmail.com

ScallyWags:  (316) 282-3762 – www.scallywagsonline.com

Say What?:  (316) 293-6525 – saywhatimprov@yahoo.com

Loony Bin:  (316) 618-HAHA – www.loonybincomedy.com

(NEW!  Loony Bin Text System – text “41513” for ticket discounts & other LB special promos!)

###

Fri Sep 3

WICHITA-AREA COMEDY EVENTS, September 2010

Wichita-based Comedy Events, September 2010

·      WED, 9/1 – SAT, 9/4

MICHAEL MACK @ the Loony Bin, 6140 E. 21st St. (21st & Woodlawn)

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring MATT GOLIGHTLY)

·      SAT, 9/4

SAY WHAT?! @ Mead’s Corner, 430 E. Douglas (Douglas & Emporia)

9PM – All ages – no cover (Improv comedy)

·      WED, 9/8 – SAT 9/11

KRISTIN KEY @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring DAVID BECK)

·      TUES, 9/14

TUESDAY NIGHT COMEDY REVUE @ Rock Island Live, 101 N. Rock Island

Featuring THE SCALLYWAGS, CHRIS WINSLOW, JG SHOW, music & more!

9PM – 18+ to enter – $3 cover (Multi-genre)

·      WED, 9/15– SAT, 9/18

JULIE SCOGGINS @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring JIM HOLDER)

·      TUES, 9/21

99 CENT OPEN MIC @ Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

9PM – 21+ to enter – $.99 cover (18+ / no cover for performers) (Open Mic)

·      WED, 9/22 – SAT, 9/25

JUSTIN LEON @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup)

·      SUN, 9/26

ICT COMEDY @ Blu Nightclub, 8715 W. Maple (Maple & Tyler)

10:00PM – 21+ to enter – no cover (Standup)

·      TUES, 9/28

COMEDY HULLABALOO @ Kirby’s Beer Store, 17th & Hillside

10:00PM – 21+ to enter – no cover (Standup/Variety)

·      TUES, 9/28 – WED, 9/29

JACK FREEMAN @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring DREW HASTINGS)

…and don’t forget to visit the comedy-friendly local OPEN MICs:

·      OPEN MIC with BRANT, every Monday @ 10PM – Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

·      COMEDY SLAM, every Wednesday @ 8PM – Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

For any questions and/or info, contact:

James Gates:  (316) 992 -7922 – jgates01@gmail.com

ICT Comedy:  booking@ictcomedy.com

ScallyWags:  (316) 282-3762 – www.scallywagsonline.com

Say What?:  (316) 293-6525 – saywhatimprov@yahoo.com

Loony Bin:  (316) 618-HAHA – www.loonybincomedy.com

###

Wed Aug 4

WICHITA-AREA COMEDY EVENTS, August 2010

For Immediate Release

Wichita-based Comedy Events, August 2010

·      WED, 8/4 – SAT, 8/7

GABRIEL RUTLEDGE @ the Loony Bin, 6140 E. 21st St. (21st & Woodlawn)

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring RYAN SKINNER and DAN SKAGGS)

·      WED, 8/4 and SAT, 8/7

MEN’S SCRAPBOOKING CLUB @ Fisch Haus, 524 S. Commerce (Commerce & Waterman)

9PM – All ages – no cover (Sketch comedy)

·      SAT, 8/7

SAY WHAT?! @ Mead’s Corner, 430 E. Douglas (Douglas & Emporia)

9PM – All ages – no cover (Improv comedy)

·      TUES, 8/10

TUESDAY NIGHT COMEDY REVUE @ Rock Island Live, 101 N. Rock Island

Featuring GABE PERRY, DUSTIN KAUFMAN, ROMIE LEE, SAY WHAT?, JG SHOW, music & more!

9PM – 18+ to enter – $3 cover (Multi-genre)

·      WED, 8/11 – SAT 8/14

JANET WILLIAMS @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring WARD ANDERSON and JAMES GATES)

·      MON, 8/16 and TUES, 8/17

THE MOM SQUAD LIVE @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM – 21+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – the “Airing Out Their Dirty Laundry” tour)

·      TUES, 8/17

99 CENT OPEN MIC @ Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

9PM – 21+ to enter – $.99 cover (18+ / no cover for performers) (Open Mic)

·      THURS, 8/19

BOOK READING w/ EDWARD AUSTIN ROBERTSON @ Poetic Justice, 300 S. Greenwich, Suite 151 (Kellogg & Greenwich)

9:00PM – All Ages – no cover (Spoken Word/Alt.)

Featuring JAMES GATES and special guests TBA

·      WED, 8/18 – SAT, 8/21

DALE JONES @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring RANDY CHESTNUT and DANIEL PEWEWARDY)

·      TUES, 8/24

COMEDY HULLABALOO @ Kirby’s Beer Store, 17th & Hillisde

10:00PM – 21+ to enter – no cover (Standup/Variety)

·      WED, 8/25 – SAT, 8/28

STEVE HIRST @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring MARVIN LEE and BRAD PORTER)

·      SUN, 8/29

ICT COMEDY @ Blu Nightclub, 8715 W. Maple (Maple & Tyler)

10:00PM – 21+ to enter – no cover (Standup)

…and don’t forget to visit the comedy-friendly local OPEN MICs:

·      OPEN MIC with BRANT, every Monday @ 10PM – Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

·      COMEDY SLAM, every Wednesday @ 8PM – Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

For any questions and/or info, contact:

James Gates:  (316) 992 -7922 – jgates01@gmail.com

ICT Comedy:  booking@ictcomedy.com

ScallyWags:  (316) 282-3762 – www.scallywagsonline.com

Say What?:  (316) 293-6525 – saywhatimprov@yahoo.com

Loony Bin:  (316) 618-HAHA – www.loonybincomedy.com

###

Wed Jun 2

WICHITA-AREA COMEDY EVENTS, June 2010

Wichita-based Comedy Events, June 2010

·      WED, 6/2 – SAT, 6/5

KEVIN BOZEMAN @ the Loony Bin, 6140 E. 21st St. (21st & Woodlawn)

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring ANDY WOODHULL and ALAN GRAFTON)

·      SAT, 6/5

SAY WHAT?! @ Mead’s Corner, 430 E. Douglas (Douglas & Emporia)

9PM – All ages – no cover (Improv comedy)

·      TUES, 6/8

TUESDAY NIGHT COMEDY REVUE @ Rock Island Live, 101 N. Rock Island

Featuring the SAY WHAT?, CHRIS WINSLOW, ROMIE LEE, JG SHOW, music & more!

9PM – 18+ to enter – $3 cover (Multi-genre)

·      WED, 6/9 – SAT 6/12

ADAM HUNTER @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring VINCE MARTIN and CAMERON BUCHOLTZ)

·      MON, 6/14

HA HA’S FOR THE CAUSE @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

Silent Auction @ 7:00, comedy shortly after – 18+ to enter – Tickets$10.00

(Benefit for the ARC of Sedgwick Co, featuring standup TODD YOHN and local openers)

·      TUES, 6/15

FNF: Fun & Funny Tuesday @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM – 21+ to enter – $10 cover

(Standup – with B-RICH and LIL’ DERRICK – Hosted by LAMONT JAMES)

·      TUES, 6/15

99 CENT OPEN MIC @ Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

9PM – 21+ to enter – $.99 cover (18+ / no cover for performers) (Open Mic)

·      WED, 6/16 – SAT, 6/19

BUTCH LORD @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring WARREN B. HALL and KENNY WEEKS)

·      WED, 6/23 – SAT, 6/26

VALARIE STORM @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call (316) 618-HAHA for ticket prices

(Standup – featuring ROB JENKINS and JAMES GATES)

·      SUN, 6/27

ICT COMEDY @ Blu Nightclub, 8715 W. Maple (Maple & Tyler)

10:00PM – 21+ to enter – no cover (Standup)

Featuring JEREMY RUSH, DEONDE CRAWFORD, DUSTIN MORBY, & guests

·      TUES, 6/29

JAMES GATES SHOW @ Frida’s, 1580 W. 21st St.

8:00PM – 18+ to enter – no cover (Alt / Variety)

Featuring co-host DANIEL PEWEWARDY and various friends/guests/surprises!

…and don’t forget to visit the comedy-friendly local OPEN MICs:

·      OPEN MIC with BRANT, every Monday @ 10PM – Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

·      COMEDY SLAM, every Wednesday @ 8PM – Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

For any questions and/or info, contact:

James Gates:  (316) 992 -7922 – jgates01@gmail.com

ICT Comedy:  booking@ictcomedy.com

ScallyWags:  (316) 282-3762 – www.scallywagsonline.com

Say What?:  (316) 293-6525 – saywhatimprov@yahoo.com

Loony Bin:  (316) 618-HAHA – www.loonybincomedy.com

###

Mon May 3

WICHITA-AREA COMEDY EVENTS, May 2010

Wichita-based Comedy Events, May 2010

·      WED, 5/5 – SUN, 5/9

THE SANDMAN @ the Loony Bin, 6140 E. 21st St. (21st & Woodlawn)

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call for ticket prices (Hypnotist/Standup)

·      FRI, 5/7

HEADLINERS OF COMEDY @ the Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg

Featuring TONY ROBERTS, MARVIN DIXON, DAMON WILLIAMS, SHANG, & HOPE FLOOD

7PM – 21+ to enter – $25-$45 tickets (Nat’l multi-act Standup tour)

 

·      TUES, 5/11

TUESDAY NIGHT COMEDY REVUE @ Rock Island Live, 101 N. Rock Island

Featuring the SCALLYWAGS, LAMONT JAMES, GABE PERRY, JG SHOW, music & more!

9PM – 18+ to enter – $3 cover (Multi-genre)

·      WED, 5/12 – SUN 5/16

TODD YOHN @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call for ticket prices (Standup)

·      TUES, 5/18

99 CENT OPEN MIC @ Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

9PM – 21+ to enter – $.99 cover (18+ / no cover for performers) (Open Mic)

·      WED, 5/19 – SAT, 5/22

TIM KIDD @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call for ticket prices (Standup)

·      FRI, 5/21

THE EAR & EYE SHOW @ Rock Island Live, 101 N. Rock Island

Featuring ELLIOT ROAD, JUSTIN FRANCE, MICHELLE MONGER, comedian RYAN HARRELL & more!

7:30PM – 18+ to enter – $5 cover (Music / Variety)

·      WED, 5/26 – SAT, 5/29

BRANDON VESTA @ the Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

8PM (2nd show @ 10:30, Fri-Sat) – 18+ to enter – call for ticket prices (Standup)

·      SUN, 5/30

ICT COMEDY @ Blu Nightclub, 8715 W. Maple (Maple & Tyler)

8:30PM – 21+ to enter – no cover (Standup)

·      SAT, 6/5 (included since I missed listing this month’s show…sorry guys!)

SAY WHAT?! @ Mead’s Corner, 430 E. Douglas (Douglas & Emporia)

9PM – All ages – no cover (Improv comedy)

…and don’t forget to visit the comedy-friendly local OPEN MICs:

·      OPEN MIC with BRANT, every Monday @ 10PM – Blue Lounge, 608 E. Douglas

·      COMEDY SLAM, every Wednesday @ 8PM – Loony Bin, 21st & Woodlawn

For any questions and/or info, contact:

James Gates:  (316) 992 -7922 – jgates01@gmail.com

ICT Comedy:  booking@ictcomedy.com

ScallyWags:  (316) 282-3762 – www.scallywagsonline.com