It’s October 2008 and Yannis Pappas is headlining in the Poconos, the first time on a Soul Joel Production. Madd Anthony’s in Blakeslee PA, a former venue on the SJP Comedy Circuit, hosted a total of 10 shows in 2008. Of all of the headliners that performed at Madd Anthony’s, Yannis Pappas was the only headliner who not only left the audience laughing, but made the people move in their seats. Many comics can make people laugh, but it is a greater talent to make people enjoy themselves so much, their bodies move. Since that time, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Yannis and realize that comedy is only one of his many talents.
Ditch Films, co-created by Yannis, in early 2009 launched a Greek character: Mr. Panos. Mr. Panos has drawn fans in each of the shows in 8 different states in 2010 alone for Soul Joel Productions. Add acting, writing, and editing videos to the arsenal that is Yannis Pappas:
Traveling up and down the East Coast from Virginia to Massachusetts and West to Ohio, there isn’t a crowd that Soul Joel Productions hasn’t left wanting more, anticipating the next show. SJP brings the heat to any town, opening up with the unique voice of Maddog Mattern!!! as the host of the evening. Although, Maddog “picks on” the crowd by talking to them, everyone realizes it comes from a good place, as if it was a sibling on stage. I’ve never seen people that want to just hangout and chat with anyone more after a show than with the “zipp-a-doo zappa-a-doo,” Maddog Mattern!!!
The host of a comedy show has a thankless job and is the most underrated. Time and time again, Maddog Mattern!!! goes up in a tough situation and warms up the crowd. Even Yannis has mentioned before the show, “Tonight all relies on your performance tonight, Dog! Go out there and make it happen!” But Maddog embraces what he is good at, as one of the best hosts, if not THE Best Host in New York City.
Without question the headliner bares the pressure of making sure the comedy show is closed out on a high note. Their final word and jokes could be what the crowd remembers most. Yannis Pappas embraces that challenge knowing exactly when to close the show and when to keep going. Many times the show is contracted to go 90 minutes, and many times Yannis has done an hour plus alone. A “light” at 30 minutes, is nearly a suggestion, “You’re at 30 minutes, Yannis. You’re going to get paid, but keep going…” His range and ability to perform in front of any demographic in any setting in any venue in any state, certainly attests to his level of talent.
Check out one of his videos recently from The Swingin’ Parrot in Winsted, CT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzr1FqQGJzk
Last year in 2009 Yannis did a tour of 4 countries in Europe and 8 different states thus far in 2010. Soul Joel Productions is proud to be managing both Maddog Mattern!!! and Yannis Pappas. A recent fan on Staten Island said, “When you can laugh at a comedian the 2nd time you see him, you know they are good!” No two shows are ever the same. Requests for both Yannis and Maddog Mattern to return to a venue is overwhelming. But truth be told, I have had fans see Yannis and Maddog many times and enjoy them both more and more each time and marvel at their ability to be unique.
For a full listing of shows go www.SoulJoel.com
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I’ve seen plenty of shows with these two geniuses!!! Some of the funniest comedy I have seen, EVER! Yannis has a way of making the crowd listen and love every word of it…As hard as a show as he does sometimes, nothing can phaze him….MadDog is just that a MAD DOG!! I’ve had the pleasure and honor with working with both of these class acts, and I think everyone can learn a little something from each of them. I’ve never been to a comedy show where people were chanting for a comic to stay on.. It’s INCREDIBLE!!! I look forward to seeing these two out many more times as a fan, as well as a friend! Thanks for all of your help guys!!!! You’re the best!
I’m a Yannis fan. I’ve seen him a few times and it is true, his show is always full of laughs and he changes it up all the time. If you see a poster with his picture on it, and you don’t cancel all your plans to go to see him live…all I can say is that you are missing his latest masterpiece…
And Maddog!!! I’ve been following him on Tuesday nights on the Comedy Point Radio show and his on his blog. He got a quick wit and is just plain smart. I saw him live for the first time at Silver Lake in Staten Island…he does crowd work like no one else I’ve ever seen. This guy is going places…just you watch.