HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry and Happy Holidays! 2014, you've been great!

#HolidayExploiTater

Also, New Year's Eve "Liar Show" (one of my favorite shows to perform on!) just got named a Time Out New York "Critics' Pick!" Be sure to call the cafe to make your reservations. Rumor has it the show is almost completely sold out!

Thanks for all your support, laughs, and good times this past year. I so appreciate it!

Peace, love, and here's to a happy and healthy New Year!!!

xo

We Came, We Saw, We Kennedy-ed!

Performing at the Kennedy Center

On Sunday, December 7th, I got to perform live at The Kennedy Center as part of The Story League Presents: Presents! It was a fantastic show and I'm so honored to have been a part of it.

And in case you weren't able to be there in person, no worries! You can watch it on the Kennedy Center archives (I'm in the Kennedy Center archives!!!) right HERE! (I'm at the 57:28 mark)

Huge thanks to The Story League, The Kennedy Center, and to the amazing 400 person sold-out audience we had. You guys were amazing and so much for to perform for!

And just think, we were one stage away from this amazing group of humans!

Kennedy Center honorees Tom Hanks, Sting, Al Green, Patricia McBride, and Lily Tomlin. I LOVE YOU, TOM HANKS!

 A truly magical night. Like, unicorns-are-awesome magical night!

Hosting New Trivia Show at QED Astoria!

Do you like trivia? Do you like "Name That Tune?" Do you like having some drinks on a Friday night and having a good time? Well, then I'll see you December 5th at the new performance space QED in Astoria where I'm hosting a brand new show called NAME THAT TRIVIA! 

Oh, and did I mention the best part? It's FREE! See you December 5th at 7pm! It's trivia time!

Americans Try Vegetables for the First Time!

And I'm one of them.

Birthday Duets and Janis Joplin Sing-Alongs!

Today is my mom's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! And in September, for the first time EVER, she flew to New York to visit and see me perform. So of course, I had to do a special song just for her.


Big thanks to Camille Harris for making this duet happen. You can catch her (and yours truly!) at Rockwood Music Hall on Thursday, December 4th, 8pm. 

Thanks to Todd Jackson for filming and editing all these clips. You rock!

And of course, thanks to everyone who came out to "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko!" Y'all sing Janis real nice ;)

Iggy Azalea as Lounge Music

What happens when Iggy Azalea meets "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko"? Well, it's like lounge music...but with rapping.

New Piano Party Clip! Cover of Iggy Azalea's "Work" performed at New York's Cornelia Street Cafe.

You Asked For It!...

...well, maybe you didn't. But here you go anyway :)

Insert "We Are the Champions" here

I was very honored to participate in the Pharmapalooza 7 battle of the bands at B.B. King Blues Club in Times Sq! And even better than a B.B. King's debut? Our band "Magic Pill" won first place!!!

Big thanks to "Magic Pill" for having me as a guest musician and congrats to everyone who participated in raising money for a great charity (The Children's Hospital at Montefiore).

We're shy when we perform. Amazing sound at BB Kings!

Heading to The Kennedy Center!

Wow, I'm beyond excited to announce that I just found out I'll be performing at the KENNEDY CENTER in D.C. on Sunday, December 7th, 2014, 6pm! The same night as the Kennedy Center Honors where they'll be honoring the likes of Tom Hanks, Lily Tomlin, Al Green, Sting, and Patricia McBride. What sexy dress can I wear to steal Tom Hanks from Rita?

D.C. Story League: A Collection of Funny Holiday Stories

Huge thanks to Scott Michael Shrake and the Story League for having me. The show is taking place on the Millenium Stage and is FREE and open to the public. Full details HERE. Can't wait!!!

(But seriously, what dress should I wear? I love me some Tom Hanks!)

Sideshow Goshko is NPR-Endorsed!

Sideshow Goshko is now NPR-endorsed! Congratulations to Tara Clancy on her fantastic story (The Blacktop Slide) featured on Snap Judgment. Recorded live at Sideshow Goshko, KGB Bar in New York City. Check out the episode HERE. 

Big thanks to Snap Judgment for coming out and recording the show! Also, due to holiday scheduling, we're taking a short hiatus. But be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, January 22nd, 7pm for our big 6 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW!!!

See you then!

I'm a BAM Exhibition!...

...Well, I'm a *part* of a BAM exhibition. The multi-talented and charming artist Lisa Levy created the newest BAM exhibition entitled, "What Makes You So Special." In it, she interviews artists and performers from all different mediums and finds out how they've become the person they are today. You can check it out live at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) or just head over to their website. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you'll see--or rather hear--my interview.)

HUGE thanks to Lisa for including me in this amazing exhibition and best of luck throughout the rest of its run at BAM! So excited and honored to be a part of it.

September & October Sideshow Recaps

It's been a fun and busy past couple of Sideshow Goshkos. In September, my mom came to visit! And coincidentally, made her NY performance debut on Sideshow Goshko.

Just a little happy to share the limelight with my mom

This month's Sideshow Goshko was packed to the gills with talent and an extra special "guest" (I can't say much more, but I can say that October's Sideshow Goshko was recorded by a nationally recognized radio show. So stay tuned!).

Also, my HUGE thanks to everyone who continues to come out and support the show. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sideshow Goshko audiences are the best! And come this January, we'll be celebrating 6 years of Sideshow Goshko storytelling! (what?!) More details to come for our blowout anniversary show.

October Tans and Upcoming Events

"Where has Leslie been for the past couple weeks?"

"Why hasn't she posted?"

"Did my cat just eat a q-tip?"

These are all questions that you may or may not (probably not) have asked yourselves lately. But in answer to the first one, I've been here:

Which is why I haven't done the second thing.

And in answer to the third question...yes. Pretty sure.

But now that I'm back to the land of the NY living, we're hitting the ground running. So here's some fun stuff to mark on your calendars and I hope to see your good looking mugs at any or all of the following!

Piano Performance at "I Hate the Dallas Cowboys" Book Release Party
Cornelia Street Cafe
Tuesday, October 14th, 5:30pm

Sideshow Goshko Storytelling Series
KGB Bar
Thursday, October 23rd, 7pm

Dale Radio LIVE!
People's Improv Theater
Wednesday, October 29th, 8pm

Split Personality Storytelling (Frasier Crane Edition!)
Over the Eight Bar, Williamsburg
Thursday, October 30th, 7pm
 
Private Music Event at BB KING BLUES CLUB in TIMES SQUARE!
Thursday, November 6th, 7pm
This event is private but I'm just so freakin' stoked to be playing keys at the legendary BB King's. How cool is that?!

Hosting Kick Assonance Poetry Series
KGB Bar
Saturday, November 22nd, 7pm

And just in case no one's told you today, you look mahvelous!

See you soon!!! xo

Whipping Post

In another life, I'd love to have been a member of a bad a** 70's classic rock band. But until my time machine gets fixed, I'll arrange my favorite Allman Brothers song for piano. Big thanks to Todd Jackson for filming. Here it is! First clip from this past weekend's piano party!

Piano Party Numero 2 -- A SUCCESS!

Oh my goodness. Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who came out to this weekend's "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko Returns!" I had such a fun time with all of you and what a fantastic crowd!

Big thanks to Cornelia Street Cafe for having us and also to my special guest Camille Harris!

And most importantly, the evening got Mama Goshko's seal of approval: "I LOVED IT!"

Thank you all! Until next time...

Poster child. (photo courtesy Maryanne Ventrice)

(photo courtesy Craig Ruttle)

Not a drama queen at all (photo courtesy Craig Ruttle)

August Sideshow Recap

What a fun Sideshow Goshko we had last month! Big thanks to everyone who came out and to the evening's fantastic storytellers: Ryan Britt, Gail Thomas, and David Crabb. 

Join us on Thursday, September 25th, 7pm at KGB Bar when MY MOM WILL BE HERE! Am I going to pull her up and make her talk about past embarrassing stories? You know it!

Always FREE, always at a Soviet Bar. Hope to see you then!

KHAAAAAAAAAAN!

Ryan Britt explaining the birds and the bees through dinosaurs and Barbarella

Piano Party Poster is HERE!

Huge thanks yet again to the wonderful Andy Christie for creating this month's Piano Party poster. Last time the show sold-out, so be sure to RSVP by calling the cafe at 212-989-9319. Oh, and did I mention my mom will be there? Yeah. So, hope to see you there!

Big thanks to Broadway World for the feature!

What: An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko
When: Saturday, September 27th, 2014, 6pm
Where: Cornelia Street Cafe (29 Cornelia Street, NY, NY  10014)
How Much: $10 cover plus $10 minimum, RSVP by calling the cafe @ 212-989-9319
Website: http://corneliastreetcafe.com/downstairs/Performances.asp?sdate=9/27/2014&from_cal=0

About: After a sold-out debut, "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party" returns to The Cornelia Street Cafe.
Leslie Goshko is an award-winning storyteller, Huffington Post Comedy contributor, and a one-time performer in the Broadway musical Hairspray. And thanks to years of piano lessons, she also happens to be a classically trained pianist. Join Leslie as she combines her love of comedy, storytelling, and music for an old-fashioned piano party. Featuring everything from traditional standards to The Allman Brothers Band, this evening of music and laughs holds something for everyone.

Summer Salute Sideshow Goshko!

Well, summer may be winding down, but the Sideshow Goshkos keep on coming. Join us this Thursday, August 28th for our end-of-summer salute. Always FREE, always at a Soviet bar.

THE GIST:

Award-winning storyteller Leslie Goshko (Huffington Post, Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion) invites some of NY’s top writers and storytellers to share true, bizarre tales about their lives. There’s a challenging trivia game and a free wine giveaway where one lucky audience member will walk away with their very own bottle of Sideshow Sauce! Tonight’s stellar lineup includes stories from:

RYAN BRITT (The New York Times, Gotham Writers’ Workshop)

DAVID CRABB (The Moth, author “Bad Kid")

GAIL THOMAS (Funny or Die, Tribeca Film Festival)

* Time Out NY “Critics’ Pick”
* NY Daily News “Editor’s Pick”
* “a well-programmed night” - The New York Times

(Be sure to arrive early to snag a seat! They go fast. Doors open at 6:30pm)

"An Old-Fashioned Piano Party" Returns to Cornelia Street Cafe!

It's on Cornelia's website so it's official! Also, MY MOM IS FLYING IN FROM CHICAGO JUST FOR THIS SHOW! So, yeah. No pressure. Last time the show sold out, so if you're so inclined, you can RSVP by calling Cornelia Street Cafe. "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko", Saturday, September 27th, 6pm. Squidoooo!

Also, here's a picture of Tater obstructing my daily practice. The struggle is real. 

 

New America NYC/Sideshow Goshko Recap and Podcast

A HUGE thank you to New America NYC for hosting Sideshow Goshko Storytelling Series for the second time! We had an absolute blast playing to a full house in their beautiful SoHo loft. Special thanks to Faith Smith and her staff for all their hard work and to Giulia Rozzi, Michele Carlo, and Jim O'Grady for their top-notch stories.

And in case you weren't able to make it, you can hear the full podcast of the event HERE.

all photos courtesy of New America NYC

Host Leslie Goshko

Giulia Rozzi (Chelsea Lately, Vh1)

Drunk Kitt-ehs! NEW HUFFPO!

Are there any limits as to what I won't make into a cat video? At this point, no. I will literally take any and all of your submitted cat photos and combine them with my favorite things. In this particular case, it's adorable cats and alcohol. You're welcome.

"Cats Getting Drunk to 'Blame It (On the Alcohol)' Is the Only Rehab You'll Need Today"

Cats Raging to "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne is the Only Catharsis You'll Need Today -- NEW HUFFPO!

Well, looks like this is turning into a series. Here for the second installment of ridiculous cat videos is "Cats Raging to 'Crazy Train' by Ozzy Osbourne is the Only Catharsis You'll Need Today."

And FYI--if you wanna see YOUR adorable fur ball on the Huffington Post, shoot me your email address. I'll be sending out submission emails looking for your cat pics!

photo courtesy Amy Cope

Sideshow Goshko in Collaboration with New America NYC Part Deux!

We're so excited to be teaming up again with New America NYC! The event is FREE and RSVP's go fast. So, be sure to sign up and we'll see you at their beautiful SoHo loft for the theme "Hot Child in the City: True Tales of Sticky Situations!"

Storytelling is an art that brings us together, reminding us of the common threads of our humanity through recognition of shared experience. To celebrate the art of storytelling, New America NYC has again teamed up with Leslie Goshko, award-winning storyteller and the host of Sideshow Goshko, for an evening with some of New York’s top writers and storytellers as they share true, bizarre tales about their lives.
Featuring…

Leslie Goshko (host)
Contributor, Huffington Post
Host & Creator, Sideshow Goshko

 

Diana Spechler
author "Who by Fire" & "Skinny"
The New York Times

 

Michele Carlo
author "Fish Out of Agua"
The Moth 

 

Jim O'Grady
reporter for WNYC
contributor This American Life 

July Sideshow Anniversary Recap

Okay, I know I say this a lot, but really...WHAT A FUN SIDESHOW WE HAD! We celebrated over 5 1/2 years of Sideshow Goshko and my 10 year wedding anniversary! Plus, we called my mom on the phone live and now I think she's caught the performing bug.

Thanks to everyone who came out and packed the place and to our AMAZING storytellers. We're doing it all again on Thursday, August 28th, 7pm at KGB Bar. FREE!

Totally normal (L to R Alexis Sottile, yours truly, Julia Wiedeman)

Your host, Leslie Goshko

The inimitable, Andy Christie

Dancing queen, Julia Wiedeman

Alexis Sottile explaining how allergies can transform a face

All photos courtesy of Maryanne Ventrice. Full photo set HERE.

Anniversaries Abound at July's Sideshow Goshko!

Hey friends of the internet!

Our July 24th show marks two important milestones:

1) Sideshow Goshko has now officially been running for over 5 1/2 years (what?!)

2) July 24th is my 10 year wedding anniversary (what?!)

And because I'm married to the most patient man on the planet, he's totally fine sitting through a show on our anniversary rather than going out to dinner. So, we've got a stellar lineup to make it a fantastic evening and I hope you'll join us!

Always FREE, always at a Soviet Bar. Be sure to arrive early to snag a seat! (they go fast)

Sideshow Goshko Storytelling Series
Thursday, July 24th, 7pm (doors 6:30pm)
KGB Bar (85 E. 4th Street, 2nd Floor)
FREE!

"Cats Relaxing to 'Take It Easy' by the Eagles is the Only Therapy You'll Need Today"

Apparently, this is the kind of stuff my brain comes up with while I'm home sick. A big "thank you" to all my friends who submitted photos of their furry loved ones. They're all stahs in my book.

And a huge thanks for all the likes and shares! We're still sittin' pretty on the front page of Huffington Post Comedy. 

So here it is: CATS RELAXING TO 'TAKE IT EASY' BY THE EAGLES IS THE ONLY THERAPY YOU'LL NEED TODAY

June Sideshow Recap

Hey Guys!

Wow, what a power house lineup we had for June. Seriously. So honored to have had Catie Lazarus ("Employee of the Month"), Elna Baker (This American Life), and Mike Daisey (award-winning monologuist and Public Theater regular) join us at the KGB Bar. And a big thanks to all of you for coming out to support the show!

(L to R: Mike Daisey, yours truly, Elna Baker)

We'll be back at it on Thursday, July 24th (which just happens to be my 10 year wedding anniversary!), 7pm at KGB Bar. Always FREE, always at a Soviet Bar.

See you then!
xo

Catie Lazarus explaining why you might wanna lock your doors when she's around.

United Colors of "The View"

We're either the perfect Benetton ad or an early 90's GAP commercial (thanks, Blaise!). Either way, I had a blast shooting this commercial for the Game Show Network with none other than Sherri Shepherd from "The View." Keep your eyes peeled for our blurry mugs on the T.V.

Such a happy family

And here's some more behind-the-scenes shots.

Lock Up Your Daughters!

Apparently, I'm not enough. That's okay. We all deserve our own happiness. Ladies (and gents), Tater is officially in the dating pool. Jump in! #ExploiTater

And big thanks to Huffington Post for the feature on both front pages of HuffPo Comedy AND HuffPo Cats!

 

And This Is Why You Don't Give Up On Your Dreams...

...A direct tweet from the one and only Frank Stallone loving on Classical Idiot: Stallone/Chopin Episode! I'm riding on a Frank Stallone groove today :) THANK YOU, FRANK!!!

Allow Me to Whet Your Appetite

We took a month off, but trust me. This lineup is worth it:

Sideshow Goshko Storytelling Series
Thursday, June 26th, 7pm
KGB Bar (85 E. 4th Street, 2nd Floor)
FREE!

Award-winning storyteller Leslie Goshko (Huffington Post, Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion) invites some of NY’s top writers and storytellers to share true, bizarre tales about their lives. There’s a challenging trivia game and a free wine giveaway where one lucky audience member will walk away with their very own bottle of Sideshow Sauce! Tonight’s stellar lineup includes stories from:

Mike Daisey (award-winning monologuist, Late Show with David Letterman, The New York Times)
Elna Baker (This American Life, author The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance)
Catie Lazarus (Employee of the Month live show and podcast, The New York Times, The Moth)

* Time Out NY “Critics’ Pick”
* NY Daily News “Editor’s Pick”
* “a well-programmed night” - The New York Times

Never Give Up On Your Dreams! (Stallone Edition)

Well, I tried! #FarFromOver #Never Over #StalloneTonesForever

Also...hello, internet! We're back!

We (the Royal "we") Shall Return!

Hello friends of the cyber world!

Just a quick little update on some things "Goshko" related:

1) There will be no Sideshow Goshko for the month of May. Don't worry, everything is fine. We will return in June with a lineup that I'm already giddy about. So, be sure to stay tuned for more details. And if you just feel like marking up your calendar, you can put us down for Thursday, June 26th, 7pm at KGB Bar. See? All better.

2) I'll be taking a hiatus from posting/performing/writing for the rest of May. Again, everything is fine. And come June, we'll be back in the swing of things. Just didn't want y'all thinking I fell off the face of the earth and am lost tumbling through the void of space. Although, anything's possible. Plus I like stars and the movie "Space Camp."

3) My computer is being a spoiled little brat right now, so I was unable to download and share photos from last month's Sideshow Goshko. But in the meantime, you can catch a photo recap of April's Sideshow over at Maryanne's (our illustrious photographer) flickr page HERE.

4) In case no one told you, you look hot today! Rraawwwrrr.

See you all soon!

"Year of the Cat" -- NEW HUFFPO!

Geez, Tater turns 1 year old and he thinks he knows everything! Here he is spouting off about what he's learned in his first year of being alive. NEW HUFFPO! "Year of the Cat."

Thanks, TONY! April Sideshow Goshko

We love Time Out New York! Big thanks to TONY for the shout-out for April's Sideshow Goshko. You don't need a tax return to enjoy this Thursday's show. Always FREE, always at a Soviet Bar. And be sure to stop by and hear Kerri Doherty before she heads off to LA to start work on The Goldbergs. That's right, the TV show.

SIDESHOW GOSHKO STORYTELLING SERIES
Thursday, April 24, 2014, 7pm
KGB Bar (85 E. 4th Street, 2nd Floor)
FREE

Award-winning storyteller Leslie Goshko (Huffington Post, Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion) invites some of NY’s top writers and storytellers to share true, bizarre tales about their lives. There’s a challenging trivia game and a free wine giveaway where one lucky audience member will walk away with their very own bottle of Sideshow Sauce! Tonight’s stellar lineup includes stories from:

Steve Zimmer (Moth GrandSlam Champion)

Blaise Allysen Kearsley (host “How I Learned” series, New York Magazine)

Alex Edelman (BBC, Edinburgh Fringe Festival)

Kerri Doherty (Geeking Out)

* Time Out NY “Critics’ Pick”
* NY Daily News “Editor’s Pick”
* “a well-programmed night” - The New York Times

NEW Piano Party Footage (complete with "wah wah" sing-along section)

Hey Guys!

New Piano Party footage! It's Harry Nilsson's (kind of) "Everybody's Talkin'. Along with some chit chat about O positive blood types. You know, piano party stuff ;)

Next piano party is on Saturday, September 27th, 6pm @ Cornelia Street Cafe.

March Sideshow Goshko Recap

It was ladies night at March's Sideshow Goshko with a lineup of fiercely talented and easy-on-the-eyes women. Big thanks to Giulia Rozzi, Cyndi Freeman, and Diana Spechler for bringing their A games and to everyone who came out to make another full house at KGB Bar.

We're back on Thursday, April 24th, 7pm with another installment of true, bizarre tales. See you then!

(l to r: Giulia Rozzi, Cyndi Freeman, yours truly, Diana Spechler)

Every day is a good day for Sideshow Sauce

80's TV Theme Songs Medley from "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko"

Huzzah! The first clip from "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko" is here! Thanks to Rob Dub for filming and editing. If you were raised by 80's TV sitcoms, I dedicate this to you.

A Huge "Thank You" and Soon-To-Happen Again!

Wow, it is with great humility and thanks that I share this "thank you" post. We sold out Cornelia Street Cafe with standing room only. I was and am so overwhelmed by everyone who came out to Saturday's piano party. I got to see people I haven't seen in years along with new friends and people I hold so dear. We're already in talks about doing another one. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much for coming to the show and making me feel so loved and supported. Now, I'm taking the day off from practicing xo

photo courtesy Tommy Pryor