Matt Braunger,who got started with comedy in Chicago, now lives in LA, and popped into the Blerds one year anniversary party a few weeks ago, got into the Montreal Comedy Festival.

We bugged him via e-mail for some scoop, and he shared this: "Brian Baldinger, a very funny comic who works for Just For Laughs, booked me for a showcase show. I then got a callback at the Improv, and was asked to be in the fest about a month ago. Thing is, I wasn't allowed to tell anybody, because it's the 25th anniversary and they wanted to keep the 'industry types' guessing. That, or they were ashamed of me. If anyone found out I was in, there was a possibility I'd be removed from the line-up. I told only my mom and dad. Yep, not even (Kyle) Kinane.

"As far as the material I did to get in, I basically did the stuff I like and was myself. Simple as that. Starting out, I got a lot of bad advice along the lines of, 'It's funny, but would it make a good sitcom.' So, I think the point is to just do stuff that reflects who you are. The rules have not only changed, I think they've improved. Doing what you think is funny is the best way to go, I think. There's no mold to set yourself in. Wait, why am I giving advice. It's all pretty new to me, as I haven't been in a festival since sweet, sweet Chicago back in 2002 or so. But it's great. I did the first of two sets last night and, from what they tell me, killed. I'm still too in shock that I'm here to know.

"But I know I owe my being here to being in Chicago and they comics I came up with there. I got offstage last night and thought about how if Pat Brice were here, he'd punch me in the gut and dance around laughing. It's not just me here, I guess is my point."

Effin Funny Stand-up - Matt Braunger

Matt Braunger describes an interesting encounter with a very tanned man.

- Elizabeth McQuern