Mark Christopher Lawrence and Friends Rock the House of Blues
Mark Christopher Lawrence and Freinds.
When Mark Christopher Lawrence, probably most familiar to audiences as Big Mike on the NBC hit series “Chuck,” promises to “Bring da funny,” you can take that to the bank. On Wednesday, March 14, Mark and his friends brought plenty of funny to the House of Blues in downtown San Diego. With talented young singer/songwriter Jessica Lerner opening the show for comics Zoltan, Robert Lariviere and Frances DiLorinzo, it was a night of fun for the intimate crowd.
Prior to the show stars and supporters were treated to a Red Carpet opening, courtesy of AMB Publicity. MCL, as he is known to friends and many fans, posed with guests and supporters during the half hour session.
Jessica Lerner is quickly making a name for herself locally and nationally. Since she first wowed the crowd with her rendition of the National Anthem at a San Diego Padres home game, Jessica has gone on to win a 2007 National Youth Theater “Billie” Award for her portrayal of Ariel in “Footloose.” Jessica has released her own self-titled EP and her music video “Miracle” plays regularly on the Westfield Horton Plaza video screen.
Lerner played a mix of ballad and up-tempo songs, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar and occasionally using recorded percussion to punctuate her songs. Her music is a combination of styles, with elements all blending together in an eclectic and entertaining mix. Lerner admits that many of her songs are her way of dealing with personal experiences.
Opening comic Zoltan led off his set with a series of jokes on his own name and a couple rounds of the “name game” – which he claims to be undefeated at. The game basically consists of him picking out people in the audience, asking them their name, and then telling them, “I win again.” The long-haired comic immediately connected with the audience with a series of jokes on airline travel, particularly flying with a crying baby.
Headliner Frances Dilorinzo, who started her standup career after an experience in a required college speech class, pulled out all the stops to close out the evening. Focusing on family and relationships, Dilorinzo discussed such topics as motherhood, sexual relations with her outdoor-loving husband, and Catholic weddings. Easily connecting with the audience, Dilorinzo engaged in repartee with several patrons.
A frequent collaborator with MCL, the self-proclaimed “Happy Hour Mom” was thrilled to be headlining the Comedy Night show. “It’s such a pleasure to be working with him,” said Dilorinzo. “Whenever he puts a show together it’s top-notch. I’m just flattered he thinks so much of me to put me in his shows and have me close his shows. Not to mention he’s funny as heck.”
“Mark Christopher Lawrence Presents” returns to The House of Blues, Wednesday, April 25th for another night of comedy and music.
Category: Entertainment
