DAVE SAITZYK
(I knew early on that I wanted to profile Dave Saitzyk for this. Dave is an entertainer in every sense of the word and clearly one of the hottest names on the H.V. comedy scene right now. I had first heard of him during the WPDH Comedy Search and found some video clips online. Later, I felt it was a good thing I had only come in 2nd place in Poughkeepsie because I didn't have a SHOT against this guy at the finals at Jester's. I've kissed his ass enough though. Why don't we hear from the man himself?)
NAME: Dave Saitzyk, the last name being pronounced the way it's said. Seriously though it's pronounced (Sait-sick)
HOMETOWN: Mahwah, NJ
BIRTHPLACE: Paterson, NJ
COMEDY HEROES: Groucho Marx, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Jim Carrey, Patrice O'Neal, Dice, Dave Chappelle, Benito Mussolini
DAVE, YOU'RE THE FIRST PERSON WE'VE INTERVIEWED ON THE HUDSON VALLEY'S FUNNIEST PEOPLE WHO HAS A PENIS. HOW DO YOU FEEL THIS HAS HELPED OR HURT YOU AS A PERFORMER?
I feel like my penis is a constant distraction. I've toyed with the idea of becoming a eunuch, but my penis and I have been through so much together I'd go through separation anxiety.
WE RECENTLY MET AT THE BARDAVON'S SERIOUS LAUGHS FESTIVAL. WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FESTIVAL IN GENERAL?
I was blown away by the amount of talented comics who were involved, very impressed by just how extensive the Hudson Valley scene is and thought the Bardovan people did a great job of organizing such a diverse group of very funny people.
WE NEVER WANT TO STUFF A COMIC INTO ONE NICHE, BUT YOUR IMPRESSIONS DO MAKE UP A LARGE CHUNK OF YOUR ACT. WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU HAD A TALENT FOR IMITATION AND WHICH ONE CAME FIRST?
I've done voices my entire life basically, but the first non-accent actual impression would probably be Fire Marshall Bill or any of several of Damon Wayans' characters from In Living Color in elementary school.
HOW BIG OF AN INFLUENCE WAS "IN LIVING COLOR" ON YOUR STYLE AND YOUR DESIRE TO BE IN COMEDY?
In Living Color was heavily influential in developing my style and adolescent sense of humor. That over the top character based sketch comedy struck a chord with me and and instilled in me, the desire to create great characters and be a part of a ensemble like that.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE RE-BUILD SEASIDE HEIGHTS PROJECT AND WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT IT?
I was recommended to the Rebuild Seaside people by people involved with the cause who had seen me perform. It's a great show featuring myself, Chris Destefano, Bonnie McFarlane, Rich Vos and Artie Lange on May 25th at The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank NJ with all proceeds going to benefit the relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy in Seaside Heights, NJ.
WHEN I THINK OF REDBANK, N.J., I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK OF JAY & SILENT BOB. WERE YOU A FAN OF KEVIN SMITH AT ALL GROWING UP?
Absolutely! Clerks and Mallrats are two of my favorite comedies, I used to watch them obsessively. I still haven't made it to The Secret Stash, but that's what bucket lists are for, lunchbox!
ANOTHER BIG STEP FORWARD IN YOUR CAREER IS YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH MORE LIKE RADIO. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU AND WHERE CAN PEOPLE HEAR YOU?
Being involved with the More Like Radio family is awesome, I've been a guest a number of times on The Cousin Joe Show and after performing at the station's live event April 28th I was asked if I wanted to become a co-host of The Cousin Joe Show, so starting Thursday May 2nd (and every Thursday after) I will be on from 7-10pm at MoreLikeRadio.com and if you're on the road you can check it out on the TuneIn Radio App and search More Like Radio.
SLAUGHTER STAND-UP IS DOING A COMEDY COMPETITION DOWN IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS IN MID-LATE JUNE. HAVING BEEN IN A FEW DIFFERENT COMEDY COMPETITIONS YOURSELF, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT TAKING PART IN THESE TYPES OF THINGS?
Being a part of Slaughter Stand Up personally, I can say that the upcoming competition will be a great opportunity both for exposure and to move into the payed comedy realm. While some comedians are opposed to the competitiveness that these types of opportunities bring, competitions like this are actually alot of fun because they attract a wide array of comics who inspire and motivate you to up your game since they're bringing their best, plus it allows you to network with more comics than any given show can provide.
CAN YOU GIVE US AN OVERALL OPINION ON THE STATE OF HUDSON VALLEY COMEDY RIGHT NOW?
Hudson Valley comedy is alive right now! The amount of talented artists would blow anyone away, and they are some of the nicest, coolest, most genuine people you'll ever have the pleasure of hanging with, not to mention the fact that they're funny as hell on and off stage!
WHERE CAN PEOPLE GO TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON YOU INCLUDING UPCOMING EVENTS?
You can find out show details, booking info, etc at http://www.DaveSaitzyk.com, friend me on Facebook and follow me on twitter @DaveSaitzyk.
Straightforward and to the point. I really like this guy's style. His act is a must-see for anyone in the Hudson Valley area (and beyond). Expect big things from him in the future. Also, make sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/SlaughterStandUp for info on the upcoming Stand-Up Summer Showdown and other events.
As always comments are welcomed and appreciated. Until next time, as always, wishing you positivity and hilarity at ever turn.- STEVE
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