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100 Years of Boston Comedy
Program Categories
Educational Programs, Historical Programs and Characters, Miscellaneous
Audience Age
Adults and Teens
Veteran arts journalist Nick Zaino explores Boston’s long history of comedy, from vaudeville to YouTube, highlighting some of the personalities that have defined laughter in America for 100 years.
Fred Allen found inspiration at the Boston Public Library to start his vaudeville career. Bob and Ray started their radio run in Gloucester at WHDH. Rusty Warren and Tom Lehrer shocked crowds in song. Norm Crosby and Bill Dana played the swinging supper clubs. Jay Leno, Denis Leary, Paula Poundstone, Steven Wright, Janeane Garofalo, Conan O’Brien, Eugene Mirman, Mike Birbiglia, Bo Burnham, Ziwe – all are part of the fabric of Boston comedy lore. Their history is a mirror of the history of American entertainment.
I have brought this presentation to several libraries, senior centers, and historical societies around Massachusetts since March of 2023. I can provide a link to the full program from the Boston Public Library upon request.
$250.
I will work with different venues based on their budgets.
Group Size
Any
Program Length
One hour plus a Q&A
The program is a lecture accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, so I need a computer, PA, projector, and screen. I can provide any or all of these myself if needed.
In 2025, I will be adding two new presentations on vaudeville and the 80s Comedy Boom in Boston. If your venue is interested in either of these, get in touch!
I’ve had a wonderful time presenting 100 Years of Boston Comedy around libraries, senior centers, and historical societies in 2023. Here are some testimonials about people’s experiences with the program from those who have booked me for their venues.
Nick Zaino recently presented his 100 Years of Boston Comedy program at the Parlin Memorial Library in Everett. He knows his material. More than that, the multimedia presentation inspired the audience to be engaged and engaging, asking many questions very enthusiastically. Highly recommended. — Kathleen Slipp, Adult Services Librarian, Everett Public Libraries.
The Beverly Public Library recently hosted Nick for his 100 Years of Boston Comedy program. You can tell he knows his stuff! His multimedia presentation kept the audience engaged with moments of nostalgia and discovering new facts about their old favorites. Nick was a pleasure to work with and always kept the audience in mind. — Ona Ridenour, Head of Communications, Beverly Public Library
We hosted Nick Zaino at the Lynnfield Public Library in July of 2023 for his presentation: 100 Years of Boston Comedy. Nick was entertaining, educational, and a very professional presenter. I would have him back again any time. — Marita Klements, Assistant Director, Lynnfield Public Library
Last Modified
09/05/2024
Performer’s Contact Information
100 Years of Boston Comedy
Nick Zaino55 Taylor Rd.
Lynn, MA 01904
nick@nickzaino.com
https://100yearsofbostoncomedy.com/
Preferred Contact Method: Email
I bleep profanities in the multi-media, but there are some adult concepts.