Comedian Paul Costabile (left) is emceeing the San Gennaro stage, and will be joined by Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti for their show later in the night.
Photos courtesy of Paul Costabile
Comedian Paul Costabile is celebrating the Feast of San Gennaro with comedy all day long.
On Sept. 25, Costabile will serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the Festival Stage (dubbed the Red Sauce Stage), located at the corner of Grand Street and Mott Street. Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, Costabile will ring in the 100th anniversary of the festival by showcasing live comedy, free to the public.
“I used to live around the corner, and I grew up going when I was younger, and it truly is an honor,” said Costabile.
Sponsored by Pitta & Baione LLP and Keep Good Company Records, the Festival Stage lineup includes:
- Christian Sparacio – 3 p.m.
- Dominic Chianese – 4 p.m.
- Chase Manattan – 6 p.m.
- Ginger Winn – 7 p.m.
- Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti & Friends – 8 p.m.
Later that same night, Costabile will be joined by Valentinetti to host a variation of their monthly Los Angeles-based comedy show, Early Late Nite, at Sesh Comedy (55 Chrystie St.). The show starts at 10 p.m., giving the show the title “(Not So) Early Late Nite” for one night only.
The Early Late Nite lineup includes Nicky Smigs, Tony Dabas, Tracey Carnazzo, Luke Manley and Leah Lamarr, with music by Valentinetti and surprises throughout the night. The night is sponsored by Bulova Watches, Ferio Tego, who will provide cigars for the night, and Ferrara Bakery, who will provide pastries.
“The ‘Late Nite’ show is a mix of a bunch of things. It’s interviews, it’s stand-up, it’s sketches, it’s surprises,” said Costabile. “We’re really loose and we have a blast up there. It’s just gonna be a marathon of entertainment, old school fun and jazz and jokes; that’s what we’re all about.”
Though the Early Late Nite show isn’t technically part of the Feast of San Gennaro’s official lineup, Costabile says that the show, which in Los Angeles has featured comedians such as Kevin Nealon and Craig Robinson, will keep that San Gennaro feeling throughout the night.
“Almost everyone we work with on both shows are from Italian-American roots and immigrant roots from Italy. So there’s a heartfelt connection to what that part of New York represents,” said Costabile. “It’s all about celebrating the culture of people coming over from Italy and making a community for themselves, and in a way, I’m also really proud of being able to do all this with Sal. That’s very much what we’re passionate about: bridging the gap for the future of entertainment. We’re guys who are doing this old-fashioned style entertainment that is reminiscent of the old school days. It just means a lot to do both shows.”
Tickets for Early Late Nite start at $25 and are available at seshcomedy.com.
