Iain Ballamy's Riversphere Vol 1 is a beautifully crafted jazz album that blends genres, improvisation, and harmony, featuring a talented lineup including Rob Luft and Laura Jurd, with a focus on the flow of musical ideas akin to rivers, and is part of a series with Volume 2 upcoming.
Pat Finn, a versatile actor and improv performer known for his roles in 'The Middle' and appearances on shows like 'Seinfeld' and 'Friends,' has died at 60 from bladder cancer. He was also a respected improv performer with a long career at Second City and other comedy institutions, and he contributed to education through teaching improv at various universities. His career spanned over three decades, including film and television, and he was remembered for his humor and contributions to comedy.
The Second City, famous for alumni like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert, is opening a new venue in Williamsburg, New York City, featuring two theaters, a training center, and a restaurant/bar. The interactive shows will include original sketch comedy and audience suggestions, with a local flavor and a diverse cast of comedians. The venue aims to win over New York audiences with a mix of absurdist humor, musical improv, and political satire.
Despite his successful acting career, Ben Schwartz remains dedicated to improv comedy. He has been touring North America with his show "Ben Schwartz & Friends" and is excited to bring it to London. Schwartz believes that improv can be done successfully in front of thousands of people and wants to show that it is fun, exciting, and freeing. He also co-created and starred in the Netflix improv specials "Middleditch & Schwartz". Schwartz started out as a dogsbody at the NYC improv club Upright Citizens Brigade and has since become a successful actor, including his role as Jean-Ralphio on "Parks and Recreation".