Episode 1683 - Mark Flanagan
Digest
This podcast features a conversation between host Mark Marin and Mark Flanagan, the owner of Largo at the Coronet. Marin begins with a personal update on his health, including concerns about his cholesterol despite a plant-based diet, and announces upcoming shows and projects. Flanagan, a central figure in LA's comedy and music scene, shares his background, including growing up in Belfast during "The Troubles" and his journey to opening Largo. They delve into Largo's history as a pivotal venue for alternative comedy and singer-songwriters, discussing its unique atmosphere, audience, and the creative freedom it offers performers. The conversation also touches on the challenges of aging as a comedian, the influence of business on media, and personal anecdotes about memorable performances and incidents at Largo. Flanagan highlights Largo's role as a "family" and a creative hub, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and artistic integrity. They also reflect on the unpredictable nature of live performance and the enduring legacy of Largo.
Outlines
Personal Updates and Introducing Mark Flanagan
Mark Marin shares a personal health update, discussing his cholesterol levels and plant-based diet. He then introduces his guest, Mark Flanagan, owner of Largo at the Coronet, a significant venue in the Los Angeles comedy and music scene.
Upcoming Shows and Projects
Marin announces his upcoming shows at Dynasty Typewriter, special screenings of the documentary "Are We Good?", and a Kickstarter campaign for a graphic novel.
Health and Dietary Reflections
Marin discusses his surprising LDL cholesterol results despite a long-term plant-based diet, contemplating the need for medication. He also reflects on the ethical considerations of consuming meat.
The History and Significance of Largo
Marin recounts his early experiences with Largo, describing its crucial role in the alternative comedy and singer-songwriter scene. Flanagan shares his background, growing up in Belfast during "The Troubles" and his eventual move to the US.
Health, Aging, and Career Endings
Flanagan receives birthday gifts, leading to a discussion about career endings and health concerns like hypothyroidism and weight management. They also touch upon the challenges comedians face as they age.
Flanagan's Identity and Life in Belfast
Flanagan reveals his full name and discusses his upbringing in Belfast during a politically turbulent time, detailing the constant fear and the events that led to his family's departure.
Transition to the US and Musical Pursuits
After leaving Belfast and struggling to assimilate in Sligo, Flanagan pursued music, eventually moving to the United States. He shares early music experiences and influences, including jazz and Irish artists.
Life in Boston and the Genesis of Largo
Flanagan describes his time in Boston and his impulsive move to Los Angeles. He recounts how he became involved with Cafe Largo, initially a restaurant, and eventually took over ownership.
Reclaiming and Building Largo's Legacy
After a legal battle, Flanagan reopened Largo in 1996, quickly establishing it as a successful venue. He discusses early bookings, the singer-songwriter boom, and celebrity sightings.
The Comedy Scene and Largo's Unique Appeal
The conversation explores the diverse comedy scene in LA and Europe, with a focus on Largo's role in nurturing talent and providing artistic freedom. They discuss the philosophy of being funny and authentic.
Largo's Enduring Vitality and Creative Ecosystem
Flanagan emphasizes Largo's underestimated significance as a space for new talent and experimentation, comparing it to the jazz scene of the 1950s. He highlights the unique audience and the venue's mission to blend comedy, music, and newness.
The Evolution of Alternative Comedy and Largo's Programming
The emergence of alternative comedy scenes in LA and NY is discussed, along with the process of building a comedy showcase at Largo. They touch upon financial aspects of booking comedians and the role of figures like Lisa Lampanelli.
The Philosophy of Authenticity and Largo's Enduring Appeal
The core advice for comedians is to be funny and authentic. Jeanine Garofalo's performance and Largo's ability to attract performers are highlighted, contrasting Largo with traditional comedy clubs.
Curating Talent and Early Largo Experiences
The importance of handpicking talent for Largo is discussed, along with personal anecdotes of early experiences and comedic missteps at the venue. The evolution of the Largo audience and their appreciation for new material are also noted.
Musical Appreciation and Artistic Persona
The speaker reflects on their evolving appreciation for singer-songwriters, influenced by their Irish literary background. They discuss the poetic depth of artists like Amy Mann and Leonard Cohen, and the nuances of artistic personas.
The Naming and Early Incidents at Largo
Humorous anecdotes about the naming of Largo and a disastrous awning incident involving Leonard Cohen are shared. The speaker also reflects on collaborations with musical legends and Gary Shandling's vision.
Largo's Mission and Strategic Audience Engagement
The creation of the "Largo" film and the venue's mission to blend comedy, music, and newness are discussed. The speaker explains the strategy of higher pricing to attract a dedicated audience and their decision to focus on Largo over TV development.
Largo as a Found Family and Creative Hub
Largo is described as a "family" for the speaker, fostering deep connections and creative synergy among artists like Sarah Silverman and Zach Galifianakis. Enduring friendships and consistent performances are highlighted.
Supporting Emerging Talent and Booking Philosophy
Largo serves as a platform for comedians to test material before major tapings. The speaker's decade-long philosophy of only booking people they like is discussed, along with creating a supportive backstage environment.
Dedication, Artistic Evolution, and Respect for Performers
The speaker acknowledges the effort involved in live performance and their role in respecting artists' space and focus. They describe protecting performers from distractions and managing security.
Protecting Performers and Maintaining Industry Connections
An incident involving Pete Holmes highlights the need for security and boundary enforcement. The speaker emphasizes staying connected with artists and describes profound friendships with Sarah Silverman and Zach Galifianakis.
Connections to Comedy Legends and Largo's Origins
The speaker shares stories about meeting Marty Feldman's widow, the inspiration for "Absolutely Fabulous," and treasures from Loretta's home, including items related to Buster Keaton and Mel Brooks.
Largo's Unique Ecosystem and Future Preservation
Largo is described as the speaker's "only thing," a vibrant ecosystem blending comedy, music, and new endeavors. The desire to create an infrastructure for Largo's continuation and preserve its spirit is expressed.
Community, Endings, and Embracing Change
The importance of community in Largo's success is emphasized. The speaker congratulates the podcast's conclusion and reflects on finding solace in uncertainty and the potential to end Largo.
Adapting to Challenges: COVID and Venue Transitions
Conan O'Brien's show at Largo during COVID and the significant move from the original Largo to the Coronet are discussed. The speaker recounts efforts to prevent the demolition of Largo.
Gary Shandling's Vision and Judd Apatow's Support
Gary Shandling's posthumous vision for a comedy performance center and Judd Apatow's role in championing comedians are explored, along with the concept of a "Largo Performing Center."
The Solitary Role of a Venue Owner and Strategic Focus
The speaker highlights the unique position of being a sole owner-operator in Los Angeles and explains the decision not to open a venue in New York to ensure full commitment.
The "For Only the Lonely" Incident and Its Aftermath
A dramatic on-stage attack during a Valentine's night show is recounted, stemming from an audience member's grief. The speaker reflects on their role as a conflict resolver and the mythologizing of the event.
Early Venue Security Lessons and Art Heist Attempts
Lessons learned from early venue management, including securing artwork and an attempted art heist, are shared. The speaker recounts confronting an art thief and David Lynch's presence.
Largo as a Hub for Creative Discovery and Preparation
David Lynch's frequent presence at Largo and the venue's role as a hub for discovering talent for directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Quentin Tarantino are discussed. Performers are advised to be prepared.
Appreciation, Future Plans, and Reflections on Life and Death
The speaker expresses gratitude for support and hints at future endeavors. They reference Jeff Tweedy's music and share stories about peaceful departures, emphasizing embracing change and finding new purpose.
Navigating Transitions and Creative Repurposing
The speaker discusses dealing with loss, the potential end of the podcast, and ideas for repurposing the space into a "man cave." Innovative cat enclosures and the emotional weight of pet loss are mentioned.
Embracing Social Connections and Upcoming Performances
The speaker suggests a more social approach to maintain connections and announces upcoming band shows and stand-up performances, inviting continued engagement.
Keywords
Largo at the Coronet
A renowned comedy and music venue in Los Angeles, known for its significant role in the alternative comedy and singer-songwriter scenes. It has hosted numerous iconic performers and is considered a hub for creative talent.
Mark Flanagan
Owner and proprietor of Largo at the Coronet. Flanagan is a key figure in the Los Angeles entertainment industry, with a rich background and extensive stories from his involvement in comedy and music.
Alternative Comedy
A subgenre of comedy that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by its departure from traditional stand-up formats. It often features more experimental, observational, and sometimes surreal humor.
Singer-Songwriter Music
A genre of music where the artist writes and performs their own songs, often focusing on personal lyrics and acoustic instrumentation. Largo has been a significant venue for this type of music.
Plant-based Diet
A dietary pattern that excludes all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey. It is often adopted for health, environmental, or ethical reasons.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Maintaining healthy levels is a common health goal.
The Troubles
A period of ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998. It involved republican and loyalist paramilitary groups, British security forces, and political instability.
Belfast
The capital city of Northern Ireland, historically a center of industry and a focal point of "The Troubles." The city experienced significant conflict and political tension during that period.
Comedy Scene
The collective environment and community of comedians, venues, and audiences within a specific geographic area or genre. Los Angeles has a prominent and diverse comedy scene.
Largo
Largo is a renowned live entertainment venue in Los Angeles, known for its intimate atmosphere and diverse programming, including comedy, music, and spoken word performances. It has become a cultural hub for artists and audiences alike, fostering a unique creative community.
Q&A
What is Largo at the Coronet known for?
Largo at the Coronet is a historic venue in Los Angeles celebrated for its significant role in fostering the alternative comedy and singer-songwriter music scenes. It has been a platform for countless influential artists and is considered a vital part of the city's cultural landscape.
What health concerns did Mark Marin discuss?
Mark Marin discussed his LDL cholesterol levels, which remained high despite a plant-based diet. He also touched upon the general human aversion to taking medication and the potential need for it as one ages.
What was Mark Flanagan's experience growing up in Belfast?
Mark Flanagan grew up in Belfast during "The Troubles," a period of intense conflict. He described a childhood marked by constant fear due to nightly bombings and violence, which ultimately led his family to leave.
How did Mark Flanagan become involved with Largo?
Flanagan was invited to book music at Cafe Largo, which was transitioning from a restaurant. He invested in the venue, ran it successfully for a year, and eventually took over ownership after a legal dispute, transforming it into the renowned Largo.
What is the significance of Largo in the current comedy landscape, according to the podcast?
The podcast suggests that Largo remains a vital space for creative expression, akin to the jazz scene of the 1950s. It's seen as a place where artists are encouraged to experiment and try new things, though its full significance might be underestimated by the public.
What makes the audience at Largo unique and conducive to creative performances?
The Largo audience is characterized by their phones being off, their engagement, and their desire for new material. This attentive and receptive atmosphere fosters an environment akin to jazz improvisation, allowing comedians to take creative risks.
How did the alternative comedy scene emerge, and what role did venues like Largo play?
Alternative comedy scenes developed in contrast to traditional comedy clubs, with venues like Beth Lapidus's and Luna Park in New York nurturing this new wave. Largo in LA became a significant space for these comedians to experiment and perform.
What was the speaker's philosophy when booking comedians for Largo?
After a decade, the speaker adopted a philosophy of only booking people they genuinely liked and could connect with on a personal level. This approach prioritized authentic relationships and shared values in curating the lineup.
How does Largo contribute to the development of comedians' careers?
Largo serves as a crucial testing ground for comedians, allowing them to refine their material before major tapings or projects. It provides a platform for emerging talent and established artists alike to experiment and grow.
What is the significance of Largo as a "family" for the performers?
Largo is described as a "family" because it fosters deep connections and a sense of belonging among artists. It's a place where diverse talents converge, creating a supportive and collaborative environment that extends beyond the stage.
Show Notes
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Table of contents
United States
