We’ve rolled off the couch at the Dark Comedy Hour; slapped ourselves in the face; punched ourselves in the gut; picked ourselves up and dusted ourselves off: Sylvia Hardy now offers a sampling of her photography at Burns Hot, Cold and Chaotic , Bye Bye Blue Smoke has begun chronicling the innovative guitar work of his late friend, and, most exhaustingly, we’re heading into the final stages of editing for the Dark Comedy Review , due out now in March. To all those who have submitted material so far, thank you so much, for both your material and your patience! We will be responding to everyone who submitted to our first issue soon.
We’ve also done some hard thinking on the Dark Comedy Hour experience at the prompting of co-director Rox Sirand. Many have asked, with puzzlement, what is the Dark Comedy Hour? As we enter the fourth year of our desultory existence, a little history: at first, we wanted to make a podcast called the Dark Comedy Hour, an old-timey radio show type experience. We quickly learned how much work that would be. We then had an idea: why not solicit material from the wide crazy world of the internet, and make a podcast with whatever we get, an online open mic. After trying that, we decided to host blogs from our friends, reflecting different sides of experience. Now, we’re starting a literary journal, and are starting an all out effort to get more bloggers. The podcast is being revived. Movies are being made. Our music director, Andras’s music remains a key part of our content. Etc. Etc.
Long story short, “The Dark Comedy Hour” is a confusing title, especially as we’ve never produced an hour-long radio podcast. We’re determined to remain “The Dark Comedy Hour”, so allow me an explanation: It’s late, raining, and perhaps some intoxicants have tickled the senses and be-hazed the mind; you’re in the middle of life, between experiences and selves, between relationships, or between jobs. You enter that special mental space, where your life seems like a distant joke, and you can begin to see the edges of the grand human comedy. It’s that hour of the day, when whiskey melds with synapses, that we mean to reflect in the Dark Comedy Hour. So if you’re in that state of mind, spend an hour with us.
To bring clarity, we’re going to be reorganizing soon. The blogs will soon be renamed the “half-way hostel” providing a space for bloggers to work on their half-formed ideas. We’ll be starting an online journal of new writing and other work called the Basement Archive. Lastly, we’ll be putting up new podcasts, the first of which will feature Gann Brewer, a great guitarist and singer who will be doing some originals and traditionals for us.
That’s the end of my salesmanship routine. We hope you’ll join us.
-Blue throat
