Catch a Rising Star at Twin River was the scene of a recent roast of Charlie Hall, Vo Dilun's best-known comic and founder of the Ocean State Follies. The occasion was the funnyman's induction as the first member of the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame, the brainchild of comic/musician Rockin' Joe Hebert. On the dais were Hebert, MC Frank O'Donnell, Ace Aceto, Gene Valicenti, Ms. Kitty Litter, and more.
The surprise of the evening was the emergence of Leo Fontaine, the mayor of Woonsocket, as a heretofore unacknowledged stand-up comic. Fontaine sang a few parody tunes (ably accompanying himself on guitar) and tossed out one-liners with the best of the pros. Considering the situation in his city, Leo might want to consider this as a new career path.
Kudos and congrats to Charlie, who, in the past 35 years, helped establish the modern comedy scene in Rhody as one of the first comedy club owners, a popular cartoonist, and performer. In his "spare" time, Charlie likes to play golf.
TRAYVON TALK
Next Wednesday (April 11) at 6 pm, there will be an interesting "Let's Talk About It" discussion session at Roots in downtown Providence centering on the Trayvon Martin case in Florida. If you've been confused, outraged, intrigued, or curious about the shooting death of this young Florida man, come to Roots and express your opinion and hear what others have to say. Trayvon could have been your son or daughter.
Send throw rugs and Pulitzer-grade tips to p&j@phx.com.
