By Jason Pomietlasz

Jamie Lissow, a native of Rochester, will appear at Helium Comedy Club this weekend and was nice enough to play along in a game I like to call “Six Questions.” 

Lissow recently wrapped his first movie, “Daddy Daughter Trip,” that he co-wrote and produced, which stars John Cleese, Rob Schneider and Michael Bublé. He is currently writing and will star in “The Animal 2.”

If there was one thing you could change about the current state of stand-up comedy, what would it be ?

I love everything about it and wouldn’t change a thing. Instead of hating, you have to adapt and join in. If a social media influencer is selling out Tuesday nights at the improv, become a social media influencer in your spare time. There’s also never been more outlets for stand up and free speech, it’s no longer the big three networks. Our show, Gutfeld, consistently beats Kimmel, Colbert and Fallon. 

Best advice you received early on in your career? And what advice would you give to someone starting comedy right now?

Follow your passion, not the money. And be willing to do things for free for paid work later. I’ve been hired 10+ times to write scripts after doing a free punch up pass for projects that interest me or friend’s scripts 

How long did it take for you to try your first open-mic from the time that you actually decided you wanted to do comedy ?

Maybe 10 years. I wanted to be a comedian when I was in third grade. I actually thought it wasn’t a real job. My other friends wanted to be pirates and dragons, thank god I chose the real one.

What’s your best memory in comedy so far (show wise or hang wise), also how important is the “hang” in comedy to you ?

Being in a hotel room with (Adam) Sandler, Rob Schneider and Judd Apatow telling comedy stories for hours after a Sandler concert. 

What are three traits you think you should have to be a successful comic?

Be original. Do things that only you can do. 

Did you learn anything from living in Alaska? 

To live elsewhere. Beautiful place to visit but make sure you buy a round-trip ticket.

CALENDER

Stick to your resolution to laugh more.

Thursday, January 9

Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave., Suite 207, Buffalo
Improv Mixer, a relaxed environment to try out improv or just to watch. Sign-ups at 7:15 p.m., 7:30 start. $5 suggested or pay what you can. 

Mr. Goodbar, 1110 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, 8 p.m.
Open mic comedy on the second floor. Sign-ups at 7 p.m,  Free. 

Friday, January 10

Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave., Suite 207, Buffalo.
Castles and Creatures, an improv show inspired by everyone’s favorite role playing game. 7 p.m., tickets starting at $12.

You Should Smile More, an all-female and gender nonconforming improv show, featuring Buffalo Improv House performers, students, faculty and special guests. 8:30 p.m., tickets starting at $8.

The Stage, 8166 Main Street, Williamsville, 7 p.m. Free with 2 item purchase.
Comedy Night at the Stage, features five local comics for a free show. 

Saturday, January 11

Buffalo Comedysportz, Harlem Road Community Center, 4255 Harlem Rd, Buffalo,  12 – 1:30 p.m. Tickets $15. 
Matinee Match, two teams of improvisers play short form improv games with help from the audience. 

The Caz, 2221 Seneca Street, Buffalo. 8 p.m. Tickets $15 – $18. 
Comedy at Caz, an evening of stand-up comedy at Buffalo’s newest entertainment venue. 

Saturday – Sunday, January 11-12

Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi Street, Buffalo.
Jamie Lissow, a regular guest on the Gutfeld show and who starred in the Netflix Series “Real Rob”, will appear Saturday and Sunday. 4:30 p.m., Tickets $32.99 – $43.99.

Grace O’Malley has hosted red carpet events for Netflix’s Roast of Tom Brady and The Dance Moms Reunion and co-hosts the podcast Plan Bri Uncut, will perform two shows Sunday. 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., Tickets $31.99 – $48.99.

Sunday, January 12

Buffalo Riverworks, 359 Ganson Street, Buffalo. 7 p.m. Tickets $17.85 or $28.52 for two.
IYKYK (If You Know You Know) comedy show featuring Terre King and Reg Thomas.

Monday, January 13

Tudor Lounge, 335 Franklin Street, Buffalo, 9 p.m. 
Comedy Open Mic Comedy. Sign-ups at 8. 

Tuesday, January 14

Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen Street, Buffalo, 9 p.m. 
Rust Belt Comedy Showcase, Buffalo’s longest running comedy open mic. Free. 

Steel Leaf Brewing, 1488 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night, a mixed open mic for music, comedy and poetry. Sign-ups 6:30 p.m. Free. 

Wednesday, January 15

Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi Street, Buffalo.
Twenty comics take the stage with their best 3 minutes. Free with two item minimum. 7 p.m.

Milkies, 522 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo. 
Comedy Open Mic Comedy. Sign-ups at 7, show starts at 9 p.m. 

---

Have a comedy event you want to add, email lakeeffectcomedy@gmail.com.