I woke up at 4 a.m. after three paltry hours of sleep on the concrete floor of a community center’s movie theater. Frankly, I don’t even know how I’m writing coherent sentences right now. But I am, let’s rejoice. Hurrah! Anyhow, I woke up at 4 a.m., trekked 1.5 miles in 5°F weather to the top of a hill in the middle of nowhere, and spent three hours battling the bite of the toothy cold — all for a groundhog.

Not just any groundhog, mind you. I’m talking about none other than the celebrated Punxsutawney Phil!

Even if you couldn’t make it to Punxsutawney’s famed Groundhog’s Day this year, don’t worry. This review will, beyond a ’shadow’ of a doubt, give you an idea of what you missed.

If you want to learn about the secret language of Groundhogese, the festivities surrounding the event, and, quite importantly, Phil’s prediction, then read on below!

Unless you’ve scoured the Wikipedia entry on Groundhog’s Day, you probably don’t know as much about this affair as you think you do. Let’s have a brief and bemusing rundown.

First off, Phil — did you know he’s virtually immortal? So the legend says, at least! According to the 2010 Groundhog’s Day guide, “There has been only one Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney Phil gets his longevity from drinking a ‘groundhog punch’ (a secret recipe). One sip… gives him seven years more longevity.”

“Wow,” you must be thinking. “That’s one old guy! How can poor Phil’s eyesight still be good enough to see his shadow?” Well, we’re not sure, but somehow, year after year, Phil weathers all obstacles to declare his weather-related decision to the Groundhog Club President in the special dialect of ‘Groundhogese’. The aforementioned guide states, “After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2, he speaks to the Groundhog Club President in Groundhogese. His proclamation is then translated for the world.” This year, Phil predicted six more weeks of winter to a somewhat disgruntled crowd.

[Clockwise from top left: ModWriter Hannah with groundhog carving, ModWriter Julie (R) at Gobbler's Knob, ModWriter Hannah with 2009 Groundhog Club President, ModStylist Nicole dressed as a groundhog]

Although this prediction was less than pleasing, it didn’t put a damper on the festivities. From the time the gates of Gobbler’s Knob opened at 3 a.m., a crowd hungry to observe this monumental annual occasion was more-or-less amused by an endearing group of locals. Working the crowd with anything from the hokey to the jokey, these brightly clad Punxsuwtaney denizens ran through tireless dance performances, a silly Groundhog’s-Day-themed version of the Newlywed Game, and more.

Despite their cheerful disposition, however, it was nearly impossible to distract the crowd from the ‘I can’t feel my toes!’ temperature. Only when the 6:30 a.m.  fireworks display launched into action, could the masses manage to momentarily forget their freezing fingers. By the end of the good-but-not-astounding pyrotechnics’ performance, the sky was finally beginning to lighten. In time to frolicsome music, the members of the Groundhog Club Inner Circle promenaded to the stage, their snappy suits and shiny top hats looking hands-down dapper. These gentleman, with titles ranging from “Sun Beamer” and “Thunder Conductor” to “Cloud Builder” and “Big Flake Maker,” gathered on stage around a large tree stump marked “Phil.”

Although these dapper old gents looked lovely, and their titles inspired glee, one couldn’t help but question, “Where are the women?” (Perhaps this ought to be addressed, but this curious fact is for another discussion). Once all members were in place, various pomp and circumstance ensued until, at long freezing last, Phil’s handlers knocked on his door and brought him out into public. The Club President, whose historical cane ‘endowed him with the power to speak Groundhogese,’ proceeded to converse with the adorable little critter. After a short ‘discussion,’ he declared, “WINTER!” This proclamation was a bit anticlimactic and cheesy, but such was to be expected. Words spoken and the accompanying scroll-formatted prose read, the crowd dispersed, shuffling or busing back to town.

One cheap all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage buffet later, us Groundhog’s Day goers could finally locate our fingers and toes again.

The Groundhog’s Day rah-rah will continue until late this evening, closing out Punxsutawney’s four days of eventful celebration with everything from an “Oreo Stacking Contest” to a “Little Mr. & Miss. Groundhog Crowning.”

So, after a sleep-deprived night, a four-hour round-trip drive, and a few too many hours spent in the bitter cold, you might be wondering, is Groundhog’s Day worth it?

Well, here’s the verdict: It’s kitschy, it’s cold, its crazy, but Groundhog’s Day is one of those things worth checking off your life-long list of to do’s! One time, however, will be well enough for anyone.  If ever you do make it there, don’t forget to wear as many insulating layers as possible!

Last Thursday’s premiere of Project Runway, Season 7 was terrible. Terribly pleasing, that is. One episode into what promises to be an interesting season, personalities are already being painted and interesting items are already being created. You heard what the judges had to say, but how about a modest ModCloth opinion?

Read on to hear a new take on Episode One’s designs, and don’t forget to share your thoughts by commenting![Images Above: mylifetime.com]

1. Considering the aesthetic brilliance of Amy’s pre-Project Runway portfolio, this creation was a let down. Though the detailing on the right bust is interesting in theory, it failed to read in person. One couldn’t tell exactly what was going on there when the model began her walk down the runway. The skirt was streamed into interesting pleats, but was a touch too short to achieve a satisfactory effect.

2. A is for Anna, and it’s also for Adorable. Endearing traits aside, Anna delighted us with her dress. Although the design was semi-steeped in that “I’ve already seen it” feeling, Anna’s garment was still girlishly pleasing, with an immediate, positive impact. The cut was flattering and the glimmering gold and peach tones were easy on the eyes. If only she’d successfully reworked the crinoline skirt of her original idea, Anna’s creation would have been a winner.

3. To be perfectly frank, Mila’s ensemble was perfectly underwhelming. Though the jacket looked great on the mannequin, it proved to be resoundingly shapeless when rolled out on the runway. The way it fell failed to flatter. The remainder of the outfit was a fairly boring professional mix that belongs on a department store rack, not the runway. One must, however, laud Mila for the expert construction of her pieces. They looked very well-made.

4. How Emilio managed to stitch together (literally) such a complex look in such a small sliver of time is a near mystery. Yet, he succeeded. The complex interweaving of fabric seen in his garment is unusual, yet aesthetic, and the cut of the skirt gives it movement so lovely that it freezes onlookers in their tracks. Only critique? The one-shoulder look is a touch too 90’s. Yes, fashion repeats itself, but this style generally doesn’t merit rebirth.

5. From a design standpoint, Ben’s dress is fabulous. Space age without being costume-y, and metallic without looking like a Cartier display, Ben managed to created an inventive, fresh look with just the right mix of statement and understatement. Sadly, the fabric did not lie quite right on the model.

6.  Jay’s outfit had a lot going for it. The fabrics went well together. The bust, though perhaps a bit low, exhibited a stunning design of small pleats. One could even have lived with the ruffled accouterments dipping around the back. But, what was that center embellishment? It looked like the scene from the movie Alien when an extraterrestrial burst out of Kane’s stomach. Remove that pompom of disaster, and we can talk.

7. Although Anthony’s dress was somewhat over the top, it didn’t deserve to be in the bottom three. Granted, the fabric was a bit, well, clownish, but the design was superbly interesting and the craftsmanship was pleasingly precise. Is it possible that the judges picked on him because they knew his hilarious, ebullient personality had already won the viewers over? Perhaps. Creating anxiety among the viewership is great bait for bringing back return viewers.

8. From the headpiece on down, Ping created a truly stunning ensemble. The contrasting colors popped without exploding, and the masterful drape of the fabric turned the model into a walking sculpture. The one puzzling part? The unexplained drape of fabric carried over the arm. This large bolt would make wearing such an outfit cumbersome, and the whole worked well without it.

[Images Above: mylifetime.com]

9. One must agree with the judges: What happened with this dress? It showed promise, but something in the dress – Was it an attempt to be too complex? The optical overload of pattern+drape? The puckering fit? – did not work. Certainly the abrupt termination of the fabric drape at rear did not help the situation. Efforts at elaboration are to be applauded, but only if the overall result isn’t overwhelming.

10. Someone please wake us up when this design gets off the runway. It’s a pity Janeane ditched her original design, something that showed intricate promise, for the rather boring outfit she sent down the runway. Sheer blouse with ruffles on the chest? Seen it. Khaki mini with rather ill pleats? Hope we won’t see it again. The outfit failed to impress.

11. Although the Barbie Dream House pink of this ensemble was a bit off-putting, it certainly made a statement on the runway. Despite Mr. Gunn’s recommendation, however, this dress would have been better served if kept in its original indigo hue. The architectural design, which conjures up images of fluidly formed pagodas, would speak for itself if painted in a more muted palette, thus allowing viewers to appreciate the cable-crossed back and triangular sleeves.

12. Until the model removed her jacket, Jesse’s ensemble was enough to make one screech in pain. The fit looked terribly awkward, and the overall wall of yawn-inducing tan houndstooth-plaid was drab. True, the shoulder-less red shirt underneath breathed a new life into the outfit, but it wasn’t enough to save the entire look from the abyss of unattractiveness.

13. Head-to-toe crocodile-style fabric should only be worn by Jane of the Jungle! That said, this dress does have some positive aspects. If one can ignore the horizontal seam maladroitly used to lengthen the dress, the garment’s shape flatters the figure. The asymmetrically attached neckband risks looking like a dog collar, but somehow manages to create interesting angles. Lastly, the fishtail train gives the garment a nice dose of movement.

14. Like moonlight trickling through eerie, twisted tree branches, the bust of Jonathan’s composition was laden with intrigue. It’s abstract, yet aesthetic layout caught the eye and captured the imagination. The remainder of the dress, the purposefully uneven, flowing skirt and the cut-out back, were not of special note, but worked nicely with the complexly patterned bust. The only flaw was the belt, which jarringly shattered the clean lines of the dress.

15. Although the end product felt unbalanced, one couldn’t help but admire the ideas and workmanship woven into Maya’s creation. The ruffles draping over the shoulder were lusciously imbued with a fantastic layering of fabric and volume, and the colors coordinated fabulously, but something, something to guide the eye throughout the dress, was missing.

16. Hot Topic, anyone? Although people might cringe when accosted with the sight of Seth’s outfit, the judges had a point. Seth’s design is incredibly marketable. On the other hand, such mass market designs are not meant for the runway. In any case, if one can lock their personal taste away temporarily, they’ll discover that Seth’s dress is, in fact, masterfully made. Though the patterns are distracting, the design of the dress itself is rather original.

Though we can only guess what may be in store this upcoming season, one thing’s for sure – it’s already zipped us in to following it!

[Images Above: goldenglobes.org]

Believe it or not, the 67th Golden Globe Awards ceremony was a pleasant sartorial surprise and a fantastic fashion event! The weather did not cooperate (many stars carried umbrellas), but the attendees and the stylists did a great job making this dress rehearsal for the Oscars an exciting fashion event. While there were no epic fashion “NO”s, many actresses played it safe with classy, elegant gowns, rather than taking risks or attempting to make big statements. In addition to the classic black, the primary colors worn were cool purples and blues, with some warm reds and pinks. I asked Vasil, one of the most style-savvy people I know, about his take on the events.

Keep reading to find out what he thought!

1. Jayma Mays made the top of the worst-dressed-attendees list. The actress, who is known as one of the best dressed cast members of Glee, showed up after a long battle with Spiderman wearing this Badgley Mischka gown, only to disappoint fans and critics.

2. Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks wore a peachy-champagne Christian Siriano gown, which did not celebrate her curves, and washed her out completely.

3. We all thought actresses of Julianne Moore’s rank knew how to dress to excite a crowd. Well, I guess we were WOWed by Moore’s off-the shoulder Balenciaga gown, which was truly one of the most tragic ensembles that walked down the red carpet.

4. Who knew that 30 Rock star Tina Fey’s favorite character was Mary Poppins? Wearing a Zac Posen dress and carrying an umbrella, Fey was the only actress to incorporate her favorite character into her ensemble. Well done, Poppins. (Jen’s side note to Tina Fey: I love you! Please forgive!)

5. Chloe Sevigny’s strapless lilac Valentino gown with cascading ruffles was a little too much. Even though the producers tried to help Chloe by ripping off some of the her extensive train during the ceremony, their attempt to save that mess was unsuccessful.

6. Last but not least, Anna Paquin reminded everyone that a complete look involves much more than a dress. By pairing a flashy, over-the-top Stella McCartney gown with bulky, inappropriate black heels, she won a spot on the Golden Globe’s worst-dressed list.

[Images Above: goldenglobes.org]

Vasil had a little more difficulty preparing a best dressed list because, as he points out, so many celebrities got it right and shined on the red carpet! Among the best were:

1. Toni Collett wore an Elie Saab gown that complemented her great body and made her one of the best dressed actresses of the evening!

2. Vera Farmiga wore a black strapless Dolce & Gabbana. The combination of a great fit, textures, and diamonds completed the actress’ A+ look.

3. After countless fashion flaws, Drew Barrymore crushed the competition with her champagne Atelier Versace gown. Drew’s gown’s asymmetry, Swarovski crystals, and sleek hair all worked to form a flawless ensemble!

4. Diane Kruger is one of few actresses who can pull off a boldly colored Christian Lacroix gown. The ruffles and white bow accent complemented her figure and made her stand out from the crowd!

5. Heidi Klum chose an absolutely stunning sky blue, off-the-shoulder Roberto Cavalli gown with a chiffon train, and once again demonstrated her nearly supernatural ability to look fit and healthy only a few months after having a baby!

6. Penelope Cruz wore a Giorgio Armani Prive lace gown. The actress is a pro at choosing safe gowns that complement her personality, classy career, and natural beauty. All of these factors work together to make her look astonishing.

[Images Above: goldenglobes.org]

More best-dressed:

7. Emily Blunt, who wore a pink chiffon gown by Dolce & Gabbana.

8. Zoe Saldana, who chose a deep red Louis Vuitton gown.

9. Julie Bowen, whose mermaid, Georges Hobeika gown was safe but glamorous.

10. Courtney Cox, who looked more beautiful than ever in a flattering and very elegant Victoria Beckham creation.

11. Jennifer Garner, and 12. Heather Graham, who chose elegant and sleek beaded creations by Versace and Elie Saab (respectively).

What do you think, ModReaders? Which gowns were “Do”s for you? Which were “Don’t”s?

]]> http://blog.modcloth.com/2010-01-18-golden-and-not-so-golden-glamour/feed 51 http://blog.modcloth.com/2010-01-12-fashionable-cult-film-classics-dazed-and-confused?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fashionable-cult-film-classics-dazed-and-confused http://blog.modcloth.com/2010-01-12-fashionable-cult-film-classics-dazed-and-confused#comments Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:41:33 +0000 ModCloth http://blog.modcloth.com/?p=10829

May we suggest: Dazed and Confused (1993)

Starring: Parker Posey, Jason London, Adam Goldberg, Milla Jovovich, a super young Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck, long before they opted out of more challenging fare for those easy Rom-Com paychecks.

Check it out if you like: Pineapple Express, Adventureland, The Breakfast Club

In a tweet: It’s the last day of school in 1976. Incoming Junior High students get hazed, outgoing seniors wreak havoc, everyone else gets stoned, and gets contemplative.

Review: This is a movie you can return to at any time in your life, in any mood. Just as engrossing on the ninth viewing as the first. If you love coming-of-age fare, Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused” is the penultimate example, a sweet, stoner-y valentine to all the youthful ennui and frustration that makes adolescence so comi-tragic. Unlike numerous other films about teens, this one never undersells a single character.  The traditional archetypes are all there—nerdish intellectuals, stoners, football players, doe-eyed freshmen, fifth year seniors, but when school’s out, none of it matters. The title isn’t so much a reference to the drug use in the film (which is comparatively moderate) as it is to the film’s lingering sentiment: that high school isn’t just about being horny or high all the time, even when it SO is.

If you love it: Try Linklater’s next film, “Before Sunrise”, or his more hyper-intellectual fare like “Waking Life”.

The fashion:  Straddling the line between the hippied-out 60s and the conservative 80s. Parker Posey is a catty prepster who rocks tube socks, short shorts, and Mexican-inspired tunics. Milla Jovovich is a little 70s uber-hippie who wears tanks, fringed vests, beaded headbands, and is never seen in the film without acoustic guitar in hand. The film takes place in Texas, so there’s also plenty of cowboy boots, big shiny belt buckles, and rockin’ men’s fashions as well! For an inspiration page of “Dazed and Confused”-inspired ModCloth fashions, click here!

(Image above: Taken from Cuteoverload.com)

Some did it as a testament to their love of Pittsburgh. Some, to prove a point to their friends. Some did it to prove something to themselves. And some jumped into the freezing Monongahela waters as a good luck charm for the Steelers. Whatever their reason, a group of half-dressed, shivering, goose-bumped Burghers plunged into the river in what has become a Pittsburgh tradition – the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day!

Keep reading to find out just how cold it was – on the thermometer and from an honorary Polar Bear who took the plunge!

At about 9.30 a.m. on January 1st, a crowd descended upon the Mon Warf to take part in this frigid event. There was no way I was diving into that icy river, but a few of my friends did! This is what Carla Raspanti, a good friend and one half of the ‘tandem’ jumpers as dubbed by KDKA News, had to say when I questioned her about her chilly plunge:

Molly: Jump into the freezing cold river early in the morning after New Year’s Eve? Carla, why!?

Carla: Peer pressure and regret, pure and simple!  I didn’t do last year – I just went and watched, and I regretted it the moment everyone was in the water….that I wasn’t a part of that experience.  I told everyone this year I was doing it, so I had to follow through and cowboy up. I looked at the water before we jumped and I almost backed out! But John (ed. the other member of the ‘tandem’ jump) told me it was going to be okay,  so I just jumped!

Molly: Okay, just how cold was it? I know the temperature was 30 degrees, but what did it feel like?

Carla: It was so cold it was actually painful.  I lost all feeling in my hands and feet, to the point that I couldn’t stand up, which was really scary, and I started to panic.  Fortunately, two guys helped pull me out cause they could see I couldn’t get myself out.  It took about half an hour to get all the feeling back.

Molly: Wow! That’s crazy! And, kind of unnerving. Why do you think it’s such a popular thing to do? Sounds terrifying to me!

Carla: I think it’s so popular, because it’s sooo crazy!  You get instant street cred and bragging rights [to say] that you accomplished it when others didn’t.  I got a ton of positive feedback on Facebook from all of my friends…how awesome I am, how proud they are of me….it was great!  My cousin in Texas actually posted our video to her Facebook page for all her friends to see “her crazy cousin Carla in Pittsburgh,” so I know she was proud of me.

(Image above: Taken from Pittsburghlive.com)

Molly: So, you’ll do it again, then? Will we see you at the Mon on New Year’s Day, 2011?

Carla: Not sure if I will do it again.  I can cross it off my bucket list…I might just go out on a high note.  But, I have 360 days to decide, and if its 60 degrees next year,  I could be persuaded.

Does your town have a Polar Plunge? Would you take the New Year’s leap into icy waters? Let us know, and Happy New Year!

If you’re buried in snow and ice like some of us in Pittsburgh, it’s the perfect time for staying in by the radiator. Even if your hometown doesn’t get serious winter weather, getting cozy at home with family and friends can fun, especially with the internet being a stuffed stocking of TV holiday specials.

Hulu hosts a number of Christmas specials from heart warming classics to new comedies. Some of our favorites include the merry collection of Saturday Night Live sketches, such as  the hilarious “Horatio’s Christmas Treat” above, ALF’s Special Christmas from ye olde 80s, and the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. Hulu has clips of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, but a quick Google search can uncover the specials in their entirety. All of these can be enjoyed with a few cookies and cups of hot cocoa!

What are some of your holiday viewing favorites?

This past Sunday, The Rockettes performed their Holiday Spectacular at the Benedum Center in the Cultural District of Pittsburgh. The Benedum is a gorgeous old building, full of opulent splendor – sparkling crystal chandeliers, gilded molding and arches, sweeping stairways, regal tapestries, and somehow, it always smells like freshly-baked cookies! I took my seat just minutes before the performance, and waited for the lights to go down and the band to strike up. Although I initially wasn’t too keen on attending, I now must admit that I walked away a little merrier…

The opening sequence featured an abundance of glittering garments, choreographed high-kicks, and a whole lotta green and red. The dancers were fantastic, and while all the scenes were fabulous, there were two that really stood out!

“The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” has been a part of the Rockette’s holiday show since 1933. The number is based on military marching, features the ladies in elaborate toy soldier costumes, complete with tall, black, tasseled hats, and ends in a fantastic finale during which the “soldiers” fall like dominoes, collapsing into one another in slow-motion. The amount of precision that maneuver must take boggles my mind!

My other favorite scene took place inside “Santa’s Workshop”. The Rockettes performed as various “toys,” including robots and dolls, but three ladies dressed as poinsettia flowers stole the spotlight. Their costumes were show-stopping – floor-length mermaid gowns, shimmering with green sequins from toes to neck, and finished with a crown of twinkling red flower petals. I was just as in awe of the costumes as I was of the dazzling dance display.

So, what have I taken with me from the Rockette’s performance? Well, I’ll never be capable of dancing like that, for one. And two, you can never have enough sequins on a holiday ensemble! Lately, I’m finding myself inexplicably drawn to the S-equined Stunner Dress. And you know what? I may even pair it with the Sequin-tially Essential Leggings and the 24 Karat Heels. It may be a super sparkly look that’s not for the faint of heart, but for a Rockette, it’s barely an hour’s worth of glitz and glamor!

Where oh where do I start? The film, Bright Star, was so moving and beautiful and inspiring that it’s hard to know what to talk about first. Should I touch on the impeccable costumes, the devastating romance, or the amazing cinematography? The film follows the romance between poet John Keats (played by Ben Whishaw, whom I now have a big crush on) and Fannie (Abbie Cornish). Their love is ill-fated from the get-go. Keats is a poor poet who can in no way support a wife financially, but this knowledge doesn’t seem to affect their long, intimate walks through the woods arm-in-arm and their ultimately falling in love.

Keep reading about Bright Star!

The film was written and directed by Jane Campion, who also directed The Piano, which won three Oscars. Campion was inspired by Andrew Motion’s biography of Keats, which I would really like to pick up and read now. But I was most intrigued by the character of Fannie, who acted as muse for a romantic poetic that would go down in history as a literary star. The film highlights Fanny’s love for fashion as she sews her own clothes, as though designing dresses were therapy for her love-sick heart. And boy, was I inspired by the clothes! Although it might be hard to find a place in a modern wardrobe for a huge, lacy collar or a stovepipe hat, there are definitely aspects of early 19th century style that are possible to emulate. I’ve picked a few ModCloth pieces that I think fit the bill for channeling Fanny.

(Image Above: Matador Bolero, Calypso Skirt (we’ll get more of these in stock in Dec.), Legend Boots in Honeythorn, Edna St. Vincent Mil-lace Blouse)

If this movie is playing in your area, grab a couple friends and head out to see it. But be warned – it is definitely depressing! Bring tissues and get ready for a drink afterward.

I’ve been anticipating seeing the French film, Coco Before Chanel, for months now, so I was very excited when my coworker, Aire, told me it was finally coming to a theater in Pittsburgh. If you haven’t heard of the film yet, it follows the life of Coco Chanel before she became well-known – from her humble beginning as an orphan to her rise as a designer. The film was the perfect mix of romance, glamor, and intrigue. I wasn’t even so much concerned with whether the facts were straight (I guess Chanel was known for telling many conflicting stories about her life) as I was with enjoying the rich images of French mansions and lovely dances.

Keep reading for more about Coco Before Chanel!

Chanel was played by Audrey Tautou who seemed the perfect fit for the part, with her emotion-filled dark brown eyes and adorable screen presence. She moved across the set ripping corsets out of dresses and removing feathers from hats, and we were able to see the transformation of her style as the film progressed.

I was really inspired by the costuming in the film, especially in some of the later scenes where her outfits more reflected the aesthetic we know and love as Chanel. Scenes where she strutted around in menswear made me want to wear a tuxedo shirt. In fact, every shot inspired me! So for this post I’ve picked a few items that reminded me of those Audrey wore in the film.

(Image Above: Shoe No. 5, Styled to a T Skirt, Should I Stay or Should I Bow, Sheer Madness Top)

If you haven’t seen this movie yet – go and see it, or if it’s not playing in your town, watch it when it comes out on DVD. I really loved it. I hope you do too!

I have been a fan of Demetri Martin for years- ever since my hubby and I saw his first stand-up special and scoured youtube for more of his clips. (Yes, we like to think we discovered him.) We faithfully tivo’d Important Things last season, and were excited to learn that it’s coming back next year. But I must say, Demetri Martin is even better in person.

Keep reading to hear more about our night with Demetri Martin!

Neal and I took a little drive to Cleveland to see him a few weeks ago. Demetri began the show by genuinely chatting with the audience and welcoming people who were arriving late. He made fun of some open seats with limited leg room in the front row, which became even funnier when the owners of those seats showed up!

I’ve always appreciated Demetri’s unique style. His jokes are smart, and he doesn’t resort to raunchy innuendos or fart jokes. In fact, almost every joke he told made me laugh out loud. It was delightful.

Demetri played a few songs on the piano, then moved to his signature large notepad, where he showed us graphs of statistics like: ‘the amount a man looks like Jesus’ on the x axis, and ‘the likelihood he has weed’ on the y axis.

He transitioned with one of my favorite lines of the night: “Most dogs don’t like Halloween as much as their owners think they do…” I am so guilty as charged. (see below)

(see above)

Demetri interviewed his left shoe, who made a few requests in a surprisingly deep voice, then later invited a fan to come play his guitar while he played harmonica.

All night, it seemed that Demetri was on top of his game, and I was in awe of his brilliance. To end the evening, he took requests from the audience for his old material- just like a rock star.

As Neal and I drove home, we uttered single words, like ‘birdhouses’ or ‘ladies,’ and both laughed. A good time was had by all.

Are you a Demetri fan? If you ever have the chance to see him live, do it!