Myq Kaplan: Comic to watch in 2010

by Dylan P. Gadino

It was an incredible year for stand-up comedy– for veteran and up-and-coming joke slingers alike. But we wanted to take some time to let you know about a handful of comics you may have not been 100 percent tuned into in 2009 and therefore should look out for in the new year. There’s no better way to start this off than with comedian Myq Kaplan.

Ever since comedian Myq Kaplan joined Punchline Magazine’s social networking site ComedySpace and uploaded a set of his stand-up, recorded in Boston, I couldn’t help but keep up with the diminutive man with the awesomely huge comedy chops.

But then again, it hasn’t been incredibly difficult to stay on his track, since he’s been popping up all over the comedy world these past few years. The New York City- and Boston-based comic has an understated, measured and precise delivery, thick with deft wordplay and intelligent and unique observations that prove edgy without being filthy.

So beyond my thinking Kaplan is a funny dude, why is it that I’m telling Punchline Magazine readers to look out for him in 2010. Where’s the proof – beyond my opinion – that other people agree with me? Here’s a few of the things he’s accomplished in 2009:

Just last night, he made his late night network debut on the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. Check his set out below and then continue reading his list of accolades.

He recently taped a 30-minute Comedy Central Presents comedy special, which will air early in 2010.

He won the March Comedy Madness contest, hosted by Carolines in New York City.

He was named the funniest comedian in New York City by winning the New York Comedy Contest.

He performed at Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festival last summer – the most respected comedy fest in the world – as part of the New Faces showcase shows. Read our review on his set here.

For the second year in a row, he was invited to perform at Boston’s AltCom comedy festival alongside great names like Eugene Mirman, Janeane Garofalo, Rob Riggle, Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black.

He upped his visibility by landing a gig promoting Pizza Hut and Subway in a cross promotional campaign for Comedy Central. See the videos below.

So those are some of the things Kaplan accomplished this year. Next year is looking just as awesome. He’ll be releasing a new album, technically his second, called Vegan Mind Meld for BSeen Media, the same outfit that was integral in launching Mitch Fatel’s career and have released albums by comedy heavy hitters like Tom Papa, Tom Shillue and Josh Blue.

There’s no official release date for Vegan Mind Meld but we’ve been told to look out for it in late January or early February. We suggest you pre-order it here. And we also suggest you keep your eyes peeled and ears open for all things Myq Kaplan!

For more info on Myq, check out his official site at myqkaplan.com.