Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
A review of Lizz Winstead’s appearance in Asheville last week:
By Jonathan Rich
ASHEVILLE – Lizz Winstead took the stage at Asheville’s Grey Eagle Friday night and left the audience both howling with laughter and with something to think about.
Winstead, a co-creator and former head writer of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show from 1995 to 1998 when Craig Kilborn was the host, played to a seated crowd that had very few empty seats when she started and held their rapt attention as she expertly eviscerated topics ranging from former Asheville City Councilman Dr. Carl Mumpower to the outrageously high cost of veterinary care.
The comedian who once co-hosted the talk program Unfiltered on the famously liberal Air America radio network with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow was largely playing to crowd with a similar mindset as she threw out one liners about state, local and national politics and delivered well-crafted insight on recent world affairs including the Chilean mine disaster and the spelling capabilities (or lack thereof) within the conservative Tea Party movement.
Those looking for comedy without political implications could also find something to laugh at when she told a tale about an OB-GYN who decided to make a drastic career change after 20 years of practicing medicine. Those familiar with the brilliantly sharp rants of the late comedian Bill Hicks might even argue that a successor to that throne has finally been found.
Among the many things Winstead discussed Friday night, it was clear that she had found kindred spirits among the Asheville audience. She praised local residents for their commitment to being environmentally conscious, as well as the diversity on display downtown and the fact that many shops and restaurants were pet-friendly places.
The crowd ranged from local politicians (Cecil Bothwell), to media managers, as well as a few bright spots on the WNC comedy scene (Scotch Tomedy’s Tom Chalmers and several members of the Asheville Disclaimer staff) who all seemed to have a good time.
Events like this, hot on the heels of recent comedy concerts from Patton Oswalt and Brian Posehn at the Orange Peel, find Asheville becoming even more of a comedy central than it already has been.
Freelance writer Jonathan Rich often thinks he is funny, but instead of sharing his laughter he prefers to quietly live the joke. Take that to mean what you want, it probably does.
