Day: January 15, 2010

It has been heartening to see the comedy community come together and help in the fund-raising efforts in Haiti following the devastating 7.0 earthquake that hit the already-impoverished island nation earlier this week. Amid all of the late-night TV hullaba-uh-ohs, Conan O'Brien made sure to point out how comedic actor Ben Stiller already had launched a great service for Haiti in StillerStrong. Following in the steps of other major catastrophes, there will be a nationwide televised telethon on Jan. 22 shown on multiple stations, and co-hosted by Haitian-American Wyclef Jean, George Clooney and Anderson Cooper. I caught up with Haitian-American stand-up comedian Wil Sylvince last night at the Comedy Cellar. Sylvince has written comedy material for Wyclef and The Fugees. Good news from him: Sylvince told me most of his family already has immigrated to the States, and he managed to catch up with all of his friends who still live in Haiti. But there are so many people who need help there. Here is a short video message from Wil we shot outside the Cellar last night: Most of all, the relief effort needs money. Mercy Corps has set up a Comedians For Haiti fund-raising site, and The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre here in New York City will bring out some of its biggest celebrities from Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show and 30 Rock to participate in two special...