Zany and ‘Bubbles’ Brown at the Improv

Comedian Bob Zany is regular up here at the Improv at Harveys. He could be considered family because he’s heard every Tuesday on my radio show during “The Zany Report.” That’s right folk, it’s the return of Bob Zany!

I’m amazed at all of the projects Zany has going on every single moment. There’s “The Bob Zany Show with Erin O’Conner,” his Twitter account (@bobzany), “Baggage Claim” on YouTube (where he snags famous folks at airports as they wait for their baggage) and all of his radio call-ins, including my little show, which is kind of exclusive as he chats with me (well, more like insults me, but only because he cares).

Zany has a lifetime of experience, not just as a comic but also as a writer and producer. He’s put on his own comedy shows with comics who would become household names. Some of the acts who have found their way on his shows include Garry Shandling, Yakov Smirnoff, Robert Wuhl, Kevin Nealon and actor Nia Peeples. Bob waits for nobody, which is why he puts all these shows together himself. He then had his own radio show on KLOS Saturday mornings. After that post it was on to regular stints on the nationally syndicated “Bob & Tom Show.” The high point of his professional career came when he started doing Tuesdays on “Howie’s Morning Rush” here in South Lake Tahoe.

He’s also appeared in several documentaries and even made one himself called “Close But No Cigar,” which should be mandatory viewing for all those wanting to go into comedy as a career. He also has a published diet scrapbook, “Laugh at Fat, Bay-bee!,” which chronicles his 175-pound weight loss.

He’s had many highs and lows. One of his biggest highs was being hired by his idol, Steve Martin, to appear on “George Burns Comedy Week.” His biggest low? Appearing on “Howie’s Morning Rush” radio show here in South Lake Tahoe.

Larry “Bubbles” Brown

Before I write another word I want it known that, for some, Larry “Bubbles” Brown is an acquired taste. “Bubbles” is what we call a “comic’s comic,” which means other comics laugh at his stuff even if civilians don’t (right away). He got his nickname years ago when he was sharing a hot tub with comedian Paula Poundstone, and she commented that he was like bubbles. It sort of stuck, and we’ve been calling him that ever since. He is so well liked in the comedy world that big name acts such as Dana Carvey and the late Robin Williams would always use him as their opening act. The first time I worked with him was back in the late ‘90s when we were booked together in Santa Rosa, and I couldn’t believe how down on himself he was. I think that’s why the audience was laughing so hard. He’s the same off stage as he is on, too.

One of the best weeks we ever had working together was right here at the Improv Lake Tahoe with headliner Bob Zany, so this is kind of a homecoming of sorts. I mean, Bob is like high-energy, in-your-face funny and “Bubbles” is, well, kind of a reminder that prescription drugs are good sometimes when it comes to mental health. When introducing “Bubbles” I always tell the audience that if you feel down and out of hope, don’t fret, as the comic I’m about to bring up will make you feel so much better about your life. I can remember, though, when the planets lined up for a moment, giving “Bubbles” his best week (yes, only a week) ever. He was booked up here for a special show I put together and knocked it out of the park. Two nights later he appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and did very well. You’d think Larry would have been be ecstatic, but he said, “Oh this just means I’ll have a month or two of nothing happening in my life.”

“Bubbles” continues to work consistently but would rather call the Bay Area home instead of Southern California. I’m just psyched he’s here this week, once again working with Bob Zany.