Phil Surkis

Hey Friends,

My goodness! It’s been a while since I sent a newsletter. I think I can remember how this goes. I just have to share three things I’m excited about. Maybe four. Wait—Can I do this? Should I?? Deep breath.

I’m very excited to be performing standup when I open for Eliza Gibson’s solo performance, Bravo 25 this October! This is going down at the Marsh in SF. Eliza's show is insanely funny, futuristic and fabulous. My dates are 10/6 and 10/25. Grab your tickets here before they sell out!

I’m involved in a number of studio projects as of late. I’m talking podcasts, people. I get asked about the status of W. Kamau Bell’s “Kamau Right Now” show. That’s officially on hiatus, but Kamau assures me it’ll come back down the road. As most of you are aware, he’s currently involved in an abundance of amazing projects. In the mean time, you can find me at…

o.k. land - This podcast is co-hosted by me and the sharply funny Abas Idris. “O.K. land” is what happens when we take an “a” out of Oakland. Yes, that sounds good, but what does it mean? It means comedy, conversation, sketches, interviews and anything else we deem "okay". Listen and subscribe options here!

Spice Cabinet - This is my interview program where I find a friend, set up two mics in front of their spices, look at their spice cabinet, and then talk about feelings. Trust me on this. I’ve talked to Zahra Noorbakhsh, Karinda Dobbins, Avery Trufelman, Dara M Wilson and many more!! Binge season one (and subscribe options) here!

Feminist Frequency Radio - is a show I produce for the remarkable Anita Sarkeesian. Co-hosted by the also quite remarkable Carolyn Petit and Ebony Aster, these feminist killjoys critique your film, television and games. They won't judge your Netflix queue, but they will make you laugh. Highly entertaining and informative, and I get to be the 5th Beatle. Sort of. Find all of their hot takes here!

Dear Prudence - I’m thrilled to be the producer on this thought provoking, funny, and often unbelievable advice show for the 21st century. Hosted by the brilliant Daniel Mallory Ortberg. It’s all the feels, every Tuesday. Join Daniel by clicking here!

OMG, I wrote about FIVE things! Sorry. I’m so out of practice.

I hope to see you or hear from you all soon!

Love,

Phil

Hello Friends!

My dog, Marty, has figured out how to climb trees. This is not normal doggie behavior.  I was initially distressed, as I couldn’t summon him down. Then, I noticed the other dog owner’s taking videos of him, and it hit me. He’s an entertainer. So proud. With that in mind, here’s what Marty’s master is up to:

Kamau Right Now returns to The New Parish on Thursday, 7/20! My friend, W. Kamau Bell, will be sharing the stage with comedian Francesca Fiorentini, artist/activist Favianna Rodriguez, and musician Merrill Garbus (tUnE-yArDs). Live music from Naytronix, and more! Sure, you can listen on the radio or the podcast, but I swear there is something special about sharing the experience with 250 other lovely people. I'll be there, running around, doing producer-y things, getting jacked on coffee. Good times. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our podcast, please. TICKETS: https://tinyurl.com/vns6dha

Are you a fan of the bass guitar? Maybe you just want to become clearer on what a bass guitar is? Maybe you don't care about bass, but want to see a funny show? If you chose any of the above, you need to see me perform my solo show, Happy People Do Not Play The Bass. Each show will be slightly different on my July mini-tour:

7/10 – The Marsh, San Francisco - tickets at door

7/23 – Stage Werx, San Francisco - tickets: http://tiny.cc/w875ly

7/24 – The Marsh, San Francisco - tickets at door

Here’s a brand new teaser to tease you with footage, both old and new: https://youtu.be/tEuWCcPpVW8

I'll leave you with a couple of items that you don't have to go to a theater for: I had a conversation with solo performer, Laura Hedli, a few months back. I totally dominated the conversation. Okay, so it was an interview. Here’s your opportunity to know me incredibly well. http://conta.cc/2snUYAO

Finally, I'll share that I'm now officially on the team who brings you the podcast, Politically Re-Active, hosted by W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu. What can I say, but you really really need to SUBSCRIBE!! These gentlemen edutain like no other.

See you soon!

Love,

Phil

Hello Friends, Happy Mother's Day! I have three shows coming up that I'm really excited about. That’s three shows any mother would be thrilled to attend (in case you haven’t yet gotten around to getting your mom a gift.).

This Thursday, May 18th, Kamau Right Now lands at the historic Bayview Opera House in San Francisco! My friend, W. Kamau Bell, will be sharing the stage with author Jeff Chang, activist Cat Brooks, and comedian Natasha Muse. Come on out! Meet some people! Hear some things! Get a hug! Sure, you can listen on the radio or the podcast, but I swear there is something special about sharing the experience with 300 other lovely people.Tickets: http://www.brownpapetickets.com/event/2934544

On June 2nd, I'll be telling a story as part of the Naked Truth series at the Mill Valley Public Library. I'm thrilled to share the stage with Don Reed, Emily Epstein White, and Kathleen Auterio. The evening's theme will be "Summer of Love: Stories of Peace, Love and Liberation". I can't promise that my story will have all of those things. Maybe just liberation. Pre-register and come early for the wine reception. People love wine. Maybe that's the love part? Now I just have to find me some peace. Details: http://millvalleylibrary.net/nakedtruth/category/performances/

I really really really want you to see my solo show called “Happy People Do Not Play The Bass” on June 4th at Solo Sundays. This is a fun show to perform, and especially at this theater! Also on the bill is my good friend, Abas Idris, who always dazzles. Rounding out the evening will be the incredible Lindsey Ayotte and Pablo Ramirez. Bonus: Watch this teaser featuring ancient footage of teenage me: https://youtu.be/V8nXPTEmpXM Tickets: June4Solos.brownpapertickets.com There will more Kamau Right Now shows coming up in June and July, and I'll also be performing my solo show again in July. You could see those shows, but I miss you and I want to see you now. How's that for Mother's Day guilt? These are gonna be really great shows! Love,

Phil

Hello Friends! I hope everyone had a meaningful springtime holiday. I want to share about two offerings. One is a show that takes place before now, and the other is show about right now. 

I'm serious. I really want you to see my new solo show called “Happy People Do Not Play The Bass” this Sunday at Solo Sundays.  The word “Happy” is in the title. If you put the words “Do Not” together, it almost says “donut”. These have to be selling points, right? More points: The show was developed with the omni-talented Zahra Noorbakhsh. I'm sharing the stage with three amazing performers: Wendy Taylor, Dara Wilson and Jill Vice. Finally, here's a rare clip for the purpose of teasing. https://youtu.be/yPjvnMFBuXE  

Tickets: http://april23solo.brownpapertickets.com/ I'm still serious. I implore you to come to our next Kamau Right Now on May 18th at the historic Bayview Opera House! It's oldest existing theater in SF!! My friend, W. Kamau Bell, will be sharing the stage with author Jeff Chang, activist Cat Brooks, and comedian Natasha Muse. Trust me. Being in a room with Kamau and these good people is some seriously good medicine for these times. Come on out! Meet some people! Hear some things! Get a hug! All this is possible. Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2934544 I'm more serious than ever. I gotta go. My puppy dog Marty is having...um...deeply concerning gastrointestinal issues. I'm sorry, but I don't hold back on real talk. 

Love,

Phil

Hi Friends,

The thing is, the show...it must go on. That doesn't mean I'm not distracted, fearful, and experiencing post-election trauma like so many of us. It means that along with fighting for democracy, I'm still gonna do what I do: Go on stage and tell stories. I think they'll still be funny. Maybe funnier than ever. Don't underestimate laughing right now! One thing is for sure, it's pretty great that we can still go to a theater and watch stories coming direct from the source. Many with a high percentage of truth. Refreshing, right? 

So, please join me on these two occasions at my home away from home, my safe space: Solo Sundays. 

November 20: I'm honored to share the stage with the incredible Kelly Rafferty, Howard Petrick, and Diane Barnes. Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/zzwe4kh

December 4: Join me and my friends Abas Idris, Monty Mitra and Thao P. Nguyen, as we try to make you laugh just to keep from crying. Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/hw8qo88 Remember the before time? Back on October 27th, we produced an incredible Kamau Right Now one-year anniversary show at The Nourse Theater. If you weren't one the the 1400 people in attendance, you can still hear the electric evening that featured W. Kamau Bell talking with Anna Sale, Jessi Klein and Alicia Garza. Listen here: http://kalw.org/post/kamau-right-now-1st-anniversary-show-live-nourse-theater-sfPlease, please, please subscribe and write a review for Kamau Right Now! That will help us bring you many more Kamau Right Nows in the new year!

Please have a happy holiday season, hold your loved ones close, and be active

Love,

Phil