Mindy Tucker is Magic

If you aren't familiar with the work of photographer Mindy Tucker, head over to her site right now and check her out! Hire her for your everything. She's amazing!

Thanks, Mindy for the great new photos!

All photos courtesy Mindy Tucker

The NY Times Names The Liar Show an "Event To See!"

Woo Hoo! I'll be performing on the long-running and award-winning Liar Show this Thursday, December 31st, 6pm at Cornelia Street Cafe. And the NY Times thinks you should come check us out.

The show is almost sold out, so be sure to call the cafe to RSVP!

Story League at the DC Improv

Big thanks to the Story League and Scott Shrake for having me on their Winter Storytelling Championship at the legendary DC Improv! I had such a great time! If you have the chance, be sure to check out all of the other Story League events. 

Nothing much, just telling a story about how I wooed a guy by mailing a dead bird. 

Congrats to Rachel Evans who won and to all the other amazing storytellers!

October Piano Party Videos Now Up!

Another huge thank you to everyone who came out to October's "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko" and to Time Out New York for naming it a "Critic's Pick." And thanks to Todd Jackson for filming and editing. Here's a couple quick clips from the evening and all videos can be found HERE!

Loser's Lounge Brill Building Tribute

Wow, the Loser's Lounge tribute to the Brill Building was AMAZING! Seriously, so much talent and so many special guests. I was honored to be a part of it. Thanks to John Huntington for the photos, Mike Fornatale for the video, and Joe McGinty for having me on the show. If you've gotta blame something, blame it on the bossa nova!

Full Live Video of November's Pat and Jamie's NY at 92Y!

Woot woot! The latest full live video of "Pat and Jamie's NY" is now available on 92Y On Demand! This was a fun one. Nick Sandow from "Orange is the New Black," storytelling by Caitlin Brodnick, and I sing Happy Birthday to Pat Kiernan. Next show is Thursday, January 28th, 2016 where I'll be back playing keys and musical directing. Be sure to get your tix!

I still need to learn about face powder. #Shiny (L to R: Yours truly, Jamie Stelter, Pat Kiernan)

Women & Storytelling at Youtube Spaces NYC

I had such a blast performing at the NYC Youtube Spaces for a special Women and Storytelling event! Big thanks to Youtube and Robin Gelfenbien for having me and congrats to all the other storytellers on a great show!

Here's me sharing about how internet dance contests can change your life. #HairsprayOnBroadway

I wear my Youtube guest badge on my back pocket like a boss. 

Everyone should have the opportunity to stand in front of a giant projection of their Twitter handle. 

Current me dancing with "young" me. Living in the Matrix. 

Such a wonderful crowd. They had an okay time. 

Musical Directing for NY1 at 92Y TONIGHT!

I'm SO THRILLED to be a part of NY1's Pat Kiernan and Jamie Stelter's new show, "Pat and Jamie's NY," at 92Y tonight! Friday, October 30th, 7:30pm. I'll be Paul Shaffer-ing it up on the ivories as the duo talks all things NY.

There's still time to grab those tickets and come see us tonight! We'll also be back at it on Thursday, November 19th, so if not this time, then the next ;)

See you at the show!

Bond, James Bond

Had a shaken-not-stirred martini good time paying tribute to James Bond on Friday's Loser's Lounge show at Joe's Pub at The Public! Also, my mom is still learning how to hold the camera sideways. She's getting there...

Thanks to Joe McGinty and the whole Loser's Lounge gang for a fantastic time!

A Huge Piano Party "Thank You!"

This is me blowing kisses to everyone who came out to Saturday's An Old-Fashioned Piano Party w/Leslie Goshko. What an AMAZING (and sold-out) crowd!!! You guys were so fun and a joy to entertain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And thanks also to everyone who made it out to Sideshow Goshko and Loser's Lounge. It's been an amazing, whirlwind week and my mom had a blast. In her words, "You're walking around like a normal person, but I know you're a super star." Thanks for making me look good, NY! Xo

Photo courtesy Caroline Sinno

IT'S A TRIPLE PLAY!

I'm from Chicago, so of course I'm rooting for the Cubbies! But we have a triple play (see what I did there?) right here with back-to-back-to-back shows coming up for three nights straight starting TONIGHT with Sideshow Goshko at KGB Bar! Friday is the Loser's Lounge at Joe's Pub and then the grand finale with An Old-Fashioned Piano Party at Cornelia Street Cafe on Saturday!

Be sure to RSVP/get your tickets/arrive early so we can hang out and have a "gay ol' time!"

Full details below. And don't forget, MY MOM WILL BE HERE FOR ALL OF THESE! So, if you wanna get the dirt on me and pump my mom for info, now  is the time to do it ;)

Cheers and hope to catch you at a show!

SIDESHOW GOSHKO STORYTELLING SERIES

TONIGHT, Thursday, October 22nd, 7pm (doors 6:30pm)

KGB Bar (85 E. 4th Street, 2nd Floor)

FREE!

Guys, it's happening again. My mom is coming to visit! We'll be tag-teaming a story because, well, there's two sides to every tale ;) Here's 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:

Martin Dockery (Intl. Fringe Superstar!)

Leona Godin (Newton Literary, writer/producer The Spectator and the Blind Man)

Gail Thomas (Law & Order SVU, voiceover artist Beavis and Butthead)

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

THE LOSER'S LOUNGE PRESENTS A TRIBUTE TO JAMES BOND 

Friday, October 23rd, 7pm

Joe's Pub at The Public

$25

Joe McGinty and The Losers Lounge Presents The Music of James Bond!

Featuring all of your favorite theme songs and music from the James Bond films, performed by The Joe McGinty Seven and The Losers Lounge’s colorful cast of singers and interpreters. Join Joe McGinty and The Losers Lounge for a night of exotic adventure, international intrigue, and incredible music. Martinis are recommended. Black tie is optional. 

AN OLD-FASHIONED PIANO PARTY WITH LESLIE GOSHKO

Saturday, October 24th, 6pm

Cornelia Street Cafe (Downstairs)

$10 cover plus $10 minimum

Heralded as a Time Out New York "Critic's Pick," "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko" returns to The Cornelia Street Cafe. Leslie 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 into an old-fashioned piano party. Featuring everything from traditional standards to The Cranberries, this evening of music and laughs holds something for everyone.

An award-winning storyteller who's won our hearts -- 92Y Online

She sure knows funny -- Backstage

Delightful and razor-sharp -- Best NY Comedy

Lady in Reeedd!

Two Things!

1) Huge thanks to Andy Christie who designs THE best posters!

2) Make sure you RSVP to save your seat by calling the cafe at 212-989-9319! The last several shows sold-out and you don't wanna be stuck on the sidewalk while we're all downstairs laughin', singin', and gettin' drunk.

More information HERE!

Sideshow Goshko Hits the Gotham Storytelling Festival!

Woot woot! I'm thrilled to announce that Sideshow Goshko has been invited to take part in Horse Trade Theater Group's Gotham Storytelling Festival on Wednesday, November 4th, 7pm! Full lineup to come, but tickets are now on sale! Be sure to get yours, it's gonna be a goodun'!

Sideshow Goshko Storytelling Series 9/24/15!

After taking our summer hiatus for August, Sideshow Goshko Storytelling Series (New York Times "Critic's Pick") returns this Thursday, Septebmer 24th, 7pm. Always FREE, always at a Soviet Bar.

Full lineup to come! But in the meantime, mark those calendars and arrive early to grab a seat. Doors open at 6:30pm

Feeling all the feelings

What: Sideshow Goshko Storytelling Series
When: Thursday, September 24th, 7pm (doors 6:30pm)
Where: KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th Street, NYC
How Much: FREE! Can't beat that.

http://kgbbar.com/calendar/

"An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko" returns October 24th!

I'm so excited to bring "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko" (Time Out New York "Critic's Pick") back to Cornelia Street Cafe! Complete with an all-new set list and a few surprise guests.

Also, MY MOM WILL BE THERE! She's already informed me that she bought "an outfit." You don't wanna miss that ;)

Be sure to call the cafe to reserve your seat! They go fast. 

photo courtesy Craig Ruttle

What: An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko (Time Out New York "Critic's Pick")

When: Saturday, October 24th, 6pm

Where: Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia Street, NYC

How Much: $10 cover plus $10 minimum

RSVP by calling the cafe at 212-989-9319

The Jackies

The Jackies sing an acappella rendition of Frank Stallone's chart-topping hit, "Far From Over" at The Staying Alive Tribute Party, Joe's Pub, 9/17/15, NYC.

(Featuring Tamra Paselk, Leslie Goshko, & Rachel Kopf Velard. Arranged by yours truly)

Frank Stallone Rocks My World!!

YOU GUYS! Frank Stallone knows what a fan I am of Staying Alive AND his music. He was hoping to be in NY for the show and was even going to stop by and play a song. But, life gets in the way some time.

But did that mean Frank Stallone just forgot about us? NO! In a true class act manner, he filmed a special shout-out just for The Staying Alive Tribute Party!

HOW COOL IS THAT!?!

Also, if you think I haven't played this video a million times already to hear Frank Stallone say my name, you'd be very very wrong.

THANK YOU, FRANK STALLONE FOR BEING BEYOND TOTALLY AWESOME! WE LOVE YOU!

#FarFromOver

We Had A Miserable Time

See? Just miserable.

(L to R: Leslie Goshko, Steve Burns, Sasheer Zamata, Kevin Allison)

Holy moly, guys! Now THAT was fun!! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to The Staying Alive Tribute Party at Joe's Pub last week! We had a fantastic time, laughed a LOT, gave away some awesome prizes, and stretched a bunch of spandex over our bodies. All in all, a terrific night!

Thanks to everyone who was involved in the show (Steve Burns, Sasheer Zamata, Kevin Allison, Dan Menke, Steve O'Reilly, Bill Chambers, Tamra Paselk, Rachel Kopf Velard, Anna Copa Cabanna, and Joey Kipp). You're all pros and a total pleasure to work with!

Big thanks to John Huntington for the great photos and Todd Jackson for filming. 

And a huge thank you to Time Out New York for naming us a "Critic's Pick!"

Us and Carol Burnett. Yeah, buddy!

Whew! The excitement is still "Far From Over" (see what I did there?)!

The Jackies! (Tamra Paselk, Leslie Goshko, Rachel Kopf Velard)

Name That Trivia! Makes its Sid Gold's Debut!

Sid Gold's Request Room is the beautiful new piano bar in Chelsea which has already been featured in The New Yorker, The NY Times, and Time Out NY. And now, Dana Rossi and I are bringing a live (I'm playing the ivories and we're both sangin'!) musical trivia show there on Tuesday, September 1st, 7:30pm.

A hybrid between pub puzzles and Name That Tune with giveaways and categories like "Gary Busey quote or Showtune Lyric" (it's harder than you think).

A mere 10 bones at the door. T or F: We hope to see you there! (answer: duh, True!)

Check it out HERE!

Say Hello to My Little Friend!

Get ready, New York! John Travolta is about to take Manhattan!

Leading up to the big Staying Alive Tribute Party at Joe's Pub on Thursday, September 17th, 9:30pm, John Travolta will be exploring the city and sharing his thoughts. And let me tell you, those thoughts are deep. Just today, he bought a salad in Queens!

"It's important to eat healthy to maintain that lean dancer's physique. My diet consists of salads and slaying the dragons of self-doubt. Also...up your nose with a rubber hose!"  ‪#‎StayingAliveTributeParty‬ ‪#‎JoesPub‬ ‪#‎Sept17th‬‪#‎ExploiTravolta‬ ‪#‎TravoltaTakesManhattan‬

He's Baaaack! New Huffington Post Article featuring TATER!

He's baaaaack! Tater shares his top tips to help you get beach body ready! He also uses words like "Felicia" and "resting b*tch face." I don't know where he gets it.

NEW HUFFINGTON POST ARTICLE IS UP! 

Hubba hubba

STAYING ALIVE TRIBUTE PARTY MEETS JOE'S PUB!!!

AHHH!!! You guys!!! This is an absolute dream come true! My little engine-that-could show --"Staying Alive Tribute Party" -- that lives in my Frank Stallone music-obsessed heart is now making its big-time debut at Joe's Pub on Thursday, September 17th, 9:30pm! And you're all invited!!!

We'll have all the elements you loved from the original show with even bigger and better surprises! A celebrity discussion panel, The StalloneTones, giveaways, trivia, and SO MUCH SPANDEX! Where are my Spanx?!

Tickets are now on sale for the amazing bang-for-your-buck price of only $15 bones! Wowza!

So, break out those leg warmers and get ready to see John Travolta in some very revealing spandex because the Staying Alive Tribute Party is alive and well at Joe's Pub!!!



photo courtesy Maryanne Ventrice, photo editing courtesy David Bright

July Sideshow Goshko Recap, Going to the Prom, & Kick Assonance!

Wow, what a fun Sideshow Goshko that was last week! Not only did we celebrate two anniversaries (the half birthday of SG--6 1/2 years! And my wedding anniversary--11 years what?!), we also had the debut of two new performers to Sideshow Goshko: Kyle Erickson and Athalie Paynting who did a fantastic job!

And look what a cute prom group we are!

(L to R: Kyle Erickson, Leslie Goshko, Rory Scholl, Athalie Paynting*)

Big thanks to everyone who came out to support the show and to all our fantastic storytellers! Sideshow Goshko is taking a hiatus for the month of August, but fear not! I will be hosting the Time Out New York "Critic's Pick" Kick Assonance Reading Series in its place on Thursday, August 27th, 7pm, at KGB Bar. FREE! You don't wanna miss it.

So, see you on the 27th for a night of original works and my bad high school poetry! Trust me, it's worth it.

Kick Assonance Reading Series:

Award-winning storyteller and Huffington Post blogger Leslie Goshko hosts tonight’s curated evening of original poetic works that’s sure to Kick Assonance! Join co-creators Kyle Erickson ("Enduro’s Lament") and Steven Leyva ("Low Parish") as they welcome fellow authors Ron Kolm and Zakia Henderson-Brown for an evening of original poetry that Time Out New York magazine named a “Critics’ Pick.”

*photos courtesy Maryanne Ventrice 

You Meet The Nicest People In Your Dreams...

Unless you have night terrors, and then in that case, I'm sorry...

NEW PIANO PARTY FOOTAGE!

Sideshow Goshko Storytelling Series Does "Anniversaries"

A mere two days away...did you get your tickets? No? That's because it's FREE! A New York Times "Critic's Pick," this month we celebrate Sideshow Goshko's half birthday (6 1/2 years!) and an 11 year wedding anniversary. Not saying whose, but there will be toasting and drinks. Always FREE, always at a Soviet Bar. Hope to see you there!

Classy from the start

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:

Rory Scholl ("Mallorca" Off-Broadway, The People's Improv Theater, NYC Fringe Festival)

Kyle Erickson (Kick Assonance Reading Series, author "Enduro's Lament," This Land Press)

Athalie Paynting (Moth StorySlam Winner)

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

More Piano Party Footage: Annie Lennox "Why"

These videos are slooooowly rolling out because my editing software and computer are about as archaic as they come.



BUT, in other exciting news, it's been confirmed that "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko" (Time Out NY "Critic's Pick") will return to the award-winning Cornelia Street Cafe on Saturday, October 24th, 6pm. And, MY MOM WILL BE THERE!

So, mark those calendars and save the date!

Loser's Lounge: Devo vs. B-52's

Huge thanks to the Loser's Lounge for having me on their Devo vs. B-52's showdown! Although the B-52's didn't win on the night I performed, I still got an amazing excuse to buy this wig.

Prize Winner!!! AKA Don't Give Up on Your Dreams!

You guys, there are moments when your dreams seem out of reach. When the mountain is too tall to scale. When you feel like giving up. But that's when you need to push through even harder. How do I know?...

BECAUSE I'M THE WINNER OF AN AUTOGRAPHED
FRANK STALLONE CD!!!!!!

For those of you who know my obsession with the movie Staying Alive and the music of Frank Stallone, this is a big effing deal!

Also, you can catch me talking about Staying Alive and all its glory at Cinema Stories on Wednesday, July 8th, 7pm at Videology in Brooklyn. I have slides! And video!!! And so much to say about Frank Stallone!!! Come on out, it's FREE :)

A Wunnerful "Thank You!"

We came, we saw, we Ars Nova-ed! A huge "thank you" to everyone who came out to Wunnerful Wunnerful as part of Ars Nova's ANT Fest and to everyone in the cast! We had a terrific time. I can sum it all up in two words: Bubble Machine!

Ginormous hair and an unblinking gaze...

Fifty Shades of WHAT?!

Thanks to the folks over at Internet Action Force for introducing me to the ridiculousness that is the new "Fifty Shades of Grey" book, "Grey."

Here it is! Another "Americans React" video!

Wunnerful Wunnerful in The New York Times!

"Like a variety show by way of "Waiting for Guffman." - The New York Times

Yep! That pretty much sums it up ;)

Be sure to get your tix while you still can! Thursday, June 25th, 7pm, Ars Nova. 

NPR Teams Up with Sideshow Goshko!

We were thrilled to have NPR recording our last two Sideshow Goshko's for their program "Snap Judgment!" Big thanks to NPR, Snap Judgment, and everyone who came out to support the show and have their throat-clearing recorded for posterity.

Due to a scheduling conflict with our show Wunnerful Wunnerful at Ars Nova's ANT Fest (which you should totally come see!), there will be no Sideshow Goshko for the month of June. We'll resume on Thursday, July 23rd (the day before my 11 year wedding anniversary! What?!) with an all-new lineup! Stay tuned for details.

In the meantime, you can check out all the photos here! All photos courtesy of Maryanne Ventrice.

A Giant Piano Party Thank You!!!

Wow, a huge thank you to everyone who came out to May's "An Old-Fashioned Piano Party with Leslie Goshko!" We sold-out the show and had a great time! And a very special "thank you" to Time Out New York who named the evening a "Critic's Pick!" I heart you like whoa!

We'll be back with another piano party in the fall with the possibility of a very special guest...MY MOM!

photo courtesy Cathryn Lundgren

Wunnerful Wunnerful Take the Stage at Ars Nova's ANT FEST!

That's right! Wunnerful Wunnerful returns to the stage on Thursday, June 25th, 7pm as part of Ars Nova's ANT Fest! Tickets are only $15, so be sure to grab yours. We have a whole new lineup, all new songs, but the same zany antics. It's gonna be a fun, weird, wild ride!

What Happens When Americans See Pigeons for the First Time?...

This!



Also, this is what happens when Americans go without their cell phones. It's frightening.



And if you've ever wondered how you'd spend your Lotto winnings, here's some of my personal thoughts:



Be sure to check out all the Americans React videos and more over at Internet Action Force!

New IAF Video! Americans Share Their Deepest Fears

In full disclosure, my deepest fear involves a prolapsed anus...

Happy Payday! Happy Friday! Y'all So Money! CHA-CHING!

GIF courtesy Internet Action Force