INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Weiner Jokes at One-Liners

Charlie Weiner sings songs. Real ones, not novelty songs. The Cleveland Plain Dealer has likened his voice to Johnny Cash while the Cleveland Free Times hears echoes of Warren Zevon. He’s also been compared to John Prine, Iggy Pop and Harry Chapin. That’s big league company. There’s only one problem: Charlie Weiner isn’t coming to Indy to sing, he’s coming to tell jokes. Still, if Indy likes his jokes half as much as Cleveland seems to like his music, things should work out just fine.

After three marriages, two heart attacks a couple of daughters and 15 years on the road, Weiner has a lot to talk about, most of it funny, some of it insightful.

“Love this country for all your worth,” he’s said, “and if somebody tries to stop you, even this very government, fight them at every step or you lose the greatest possession mankind has, freedom.”

Sounds right to me, but I still wish he was singing.

Weiner is performing at One Liners, 50 Airport Parkway E., Greenwood, Aug. 11-15. The show is rated R for profanity, blue material and bowling shoes. Also appearing are Johnny Kavanaugh and Dan Davidson. Tickets are $11. Shows start at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 8 and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. For reservations or more information, call 889-5233.