1. Manny Martin – A black man making it big in the primarily white city of Seattle hosting at one of the most successful clubs in the pacific north west. That fits in nicely with the fact that he’s my friend.
2. Albert Kirchner – He’s really unique. This might mean that he may not be for everyone, and his last name isn’t exactly Google friendly. None of that matters though because the most important part is that he’s my friend.
3. Angela Haines – A funny woman (oh no, I’m not supposed to acknowledge that) breaking the prudish chains that today’s misogynistic society tries to constrain women with. She also went out with me for a couple of weeks a few years ago before she started doing comedy. Technically she is the only comedian that I have had a relationship with even though it was before she was a comedian. Whatever, it’s good enough to help her make the cut!
4. Yogi Paliwal – A smarter comedian than most of the silly frat boys on the market today. He produces his own Late Night TV themed show “The Early Late Show” at Seattle’s Jewel Box Theater. Yogi brings in headliners that people in Seattle normally wouldn’t get to see, and he gives the audience a unique viewing experience of the comedy art that is refreshing and intelligent. He also chats with me on Facebook messenger, carpooled to a show one time, and gave my girlfriend and me complimentary front row tickets to a show. Now that’s how you make a list!
5. Stefan Davis – This weary eyed road dog has put more miles into his comedy travels than a 1970s trucker hopped up on Black Beauties. His motivation and drive is second only to his talent. We’ve discussed doing gigs on the road together, and if talking about collaboration isn’t a guarantee to make the list then I don’t know what is.
6. Tyler Schnupp – Bringing a style and honesty to the stage that the comedy scene has been missing since day one should be enough to put Tyler on any blogger’s list of top performers. I know that’s what got him on this one. Also I was depressed a couple of days ago, and then Tyler said some nice things to me. Not only did it make me feel better, but it secured him a spot at number six on the list.
7. Geoff Brousseau – Sad, drunk, and bitter about all of the time he has invested into his career. You would think why would the atypical white male get put on a list of people to watch? That’s an easy question to answer. He’s funny. He’s threatened to quit already so it might be your last chance. Also, he bought me a beer and complimented my act, so it’s obvious he knows how to make it in this business regardless of the fact that it hasn’t happened yet.
8. Chris Nolan – Putting a comedian on a “To Look Out For” list that basically fell off of the map after moving back in with his parents might seem like an odd choice. Well, I believe 2014 is the comeback year of Chris Nolan. Not only that, I was his roommate before he moved back in with his parents, so I feel a little responsible for his disappearance from the scene. This is what you call an apology.
9. Scott Losse – With a social networking presence strong enough to combat that of the entire Kardashian clan and a love for cats that could rival any lonely 40 something lesbian, Scott is one of Seattle’s favorites amongst fans and comedians alike. When I was working the graveyard shift he would text me in the late hours of the night which helped me stay awake and not get fired. I told him I would never forget his kindness, so here he is.
10. Monica Nevi – Closing out the list is one of Seattle’s brightest up and coming stars. Her comedy has been cheered by fans and critics alike. She secured a spot in the renowned Seattle International Comedy Competition despite being one of the youngest comedians featured in both age and experience. She also is my co-host on “The Daily Dabble with Mitch Burrow and Monica Nevi” , so why would I leave her out.
Honorable Mention: Mike Cummings – There’s really nothing I can say to defend this one other than he’s my best friend, and if I don’t put him on the list then I’ll never hear the end of it.
1. Manny Martin – A black man making it big in the primarily white city of Seattle hosting at one of the most successful clubs in the pacific north west. That fits in nicely with the fact that he’s my friend.
