The People Under the Stares: Indie Rock and Comedy Get Together in Chicago
More on the People Under the Stares show, a new monthly stand-up and music show kicking off tonight at 9 (and again at 11) at Weeds, co-sponsored by the Empty Bottle and Drag City.
The Reader says it's a natural cross-pollination of indie rock and live comedy (witness Eugene Mirman and David Cross making records on SubPop, and Yo La Tengo and the Shins putting stand-ups on as their opening acts).
Producer and host Rian Murphy says "This is an attempt to find a crossover audience for stuff in town that we think is worth people's attention."
Tonight's featured local comedians are TJ Miller, Elizabeth England, and David Angelo, with special guest Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live.
And, just for fun, the tale of David Angelo's recent embarrassment at having his credit card declined on a $15 tab at a club where he often performs stand-up. According to David, "I am like a 70 year old man and devote a lot of energy to silly things like this." After the snub, he took his bank to task and insisted on an apology, so he could save face, and look like even more of a 70 year old man. The rest of the story, after the jump.
"I have to hit the 15 minimum for credit cards. Done. $15 tab, card is DECLINED. I am pulled aside by the innkeep so he can tell me. I believe several people noticed. I then go to the ATM 10 feet away, with the same card, DECLINED. This is quite impossible. Turns out, they canceled the card (even though it "expires" on 4/07) because they don't want to be using VISA anymore. Well, I was quite annoyed to find out about the policy change at a point of sale, and ending up making the emergency call rep at my bank question her sanity. In the morning, I complained to the bank manager, and demanded an apology be sent to me and Gunther Murphy's. They, of course, complied. Needless, my new card is being FedExed to me with the highest sense of urgency."
Then, the apology:
"Dear David,
I just wanted to apologize one more time about the issue with your Washington Mutual Debit Card. We recently changed from Visa to Master Card for all of our existing and new customers and all the existing
visa cards were changed to Master Cards. I understand that your visa card didn't work last night and I am truly sorry about this. The reason why it didn't work is because the card was deactivated by Washington Mutual due to the conversion. You must have not received the Master Card replacement and I apologize about this as well. We should have made sure that you had a working card before deactivating it. We are sending you a new card ASAP. You should be getting it by the end of the week.
Sincerely,
Credit Card Company Lady
Wrigleyville Financial Center Manager
3500 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) xxx-xxxx office
(773) xxx-xxxx fax
(407) xxx-xxxx cell"
Comments
ahhHAHAHAHAHA. I was there for that. I hadn't gotten the story though. I did, however, ask, "Well, do you need your tab paid?" "No, I took care of it." "Okay, so why are you calling at 11:30 at night?" "BECAUSE. This is serious."
HAHAHAHAHAH. That David.
Posted by: k-rock | August 29, 2006 4:43 PM