Live From New York
Tonight at 8pm, NBC celebrates the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. The show has heavily influenced my development. I was six years old when it debuted on October 11th, 1975. By the time I was in middle school, I wore the arrow-through-the-head gag while simultaneously mowing the grass and listening to Steve Martin’s comedy album Let’s Get Small - while reciting Martin’s act from memory, imitating every facet of his delivery.
In 1983 or thereabouts, my cousin Myra took me and the Secrest twins to see Eddie Murphy perform on his Delirious tour at Veteran’s Memorial Hall. I still remember the view from the rafters, Murphy stalking the stage in his all red leather outfit, telling us jokes we had heard numerous times before, and us cackling at every punchline.
I don’t think it goes too far to say that SNL shaped who I’ve become. I instinctively look for the humor in every situation, no matter how dark. I’ve learned to be careful about verbalizing some of these cerebral lightning bolts, but they happen all the time, even today. This is not to say that I consider myself especially funny, just that I care a lot about what actually is funny. What makes people laugh, and why.
This past week Maureen Dowd wrote an excellent piece on Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator and producer for all but three years of its 50-year lifespan. He is perhaps the ultimate curator of American culture. Ackroyd, Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Gilda Radner, Norm McDonald, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Chris Farley, Kate McKinnon…and so many other names unlisted that have made us all aggressively laugh, numerous times. Michaels chose them all, and has developed a proven ritual for creating funny sketches, week in and week out, regardless of who may be hosting. If you could only pick one program to represent the American zeitgeist, SNL may be the best choice.
So, I’m going to geek out tonight and revel in the celebration. Five freaking decades of live comedy television. Unbelievable.
Sunday Supper
Lori and I made Scallops on Roasted Tomato Chickpeas this week, and loved it. And who doesn’t love Pad Thai? This Sweet Potato Bacon Salad with Warm Cider Dressing looks great (though I would add some roasted chicken thighs for extra protein).
Sunday Music
Sometimes we get a fever, and the only cure is more cowbell. This concert by Hermanos Gutiérrez on KEXP is wonderful. This concert by Max Richter at the NPR Tiny Desk kind of matches the grey, wet, cold day ahead. Enjoy!
If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them.
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,