Rivers of laughs
Joan Rivers was one of the brighter — or at least more entertaining stars — at last week’s TV critics meeting in Pasadena, Calif.
The comedian mocked the low energy in the room, lobbed a joke about Kirstie Alley’s fat, knocked her own saggy arms and dropped a few F-bombs while meeting with the press Wednesday.
Her new show, “How’d You Get So Rich,” premiering Aug. 5, she said, is about “talking to nouveau riche people. They’re stupid enough to tell you!” The follow-up will be “How’d You Get So Poor,” starring the Madoffs . . . ba-da-boom!
In the show she talks to the guy who invented the blanket Snuggly, $74 million later. Also the guy who invented a bubble machine. “His dog has a psychiatrist!”
Audiences will not feel jealousy, she promises. It’s “aspirational, the American dream.” Calling on questioners by saying, “Yes, my darling?” she’s boosted the energy level by many amps. “People tell you things!”
Best for last: Asked about the late-night wars, she jabs at NBC and Jay Leno. “When was the last time you said ‘Did you hear what Leno said last night?’ Never!” The move of Leno to 9 p.m. in the Midwest is brilliant, she said, because America will get bored and go to sleep earlier and “the crops will be greener.”
TELEVISION
Emmys live — and not so live
Emmy organizers say they will tape the presentation of some awards to help make the ceremony more appealing to viewers.
The Television Academy said Thursday the move is intended to create the most entertaining show possible.
The academy board approved the changes Wednesday night, providing for some awards to be given out before the broadcast.
Edited clips of the winners accepting their trophies will be shown during the ceremony, which will air Sept. 20 on CBS.
The Emmys have faced slumping ratings, with last year’s ceremony attracting 12.2 million viewers, falling just below the historic low of 12.3 million viewers posted by the 1990 ceremony.
The Associated Press
CULTURE
State History Museum offers free admission
Talk about value: Admission to the Colorado History Museum is free for the next eight months — the same amount of time it will remain open at its current location.
The downtown museum is undergoing a “phased deconstruction” as it prepares for its new home a block away at 12th Avenue and Broadway. Groundbreaking for the building is Aug. 19, which an expected opening sometime in 2012.
“For now let’s enjoy what’s in the museum at this location before the doors really close,” said Rebecca Laurie, public relations director at the Colorado Historical Society. “We don’t want give anyone an excuse to not come. It’s the ultimately affordable family outing.”
Staffers will pack up the museum between now and March 2010, with exhibits gradually disappearing and being replaced by walls and boxes. The staff will move to an as-yet-undecided location during the transition.
The museum is making way for the Colorado Judicial Branch, which will take over the entire block between 13th and 14th on Broadway. The state combined the projects to save over $200 million dollars and create an anticipated 3,200 direct and indirect jobs over the the next four years.
“We did already have our plan (to shut down temporarily) but because the project really became a joint process, it ended up saving so much money,” Laurie said. “That required the interim move.”
The distinctive gray, sloping brick complex opened in 1977. The current Colorado History and Colorado Judicial buildings will be demolished in the summer of 2010. John Wenzel
RADIO
101.5 to go Web-only
Indie 101.5 tried to change the rules of Denver radio.
But the award-winning FM station hinted last week that it is leaving terrestrial radio in favor of a Web-only format that will better support (and be a less expensive way to air) its discerning, independent playlist.
Station music director Whip (just Whip) made an on-air announcement last week about the launch of Indie 303, a local Internet station that will feature the independent music the FM station has become known for.
But station management isn’t ready to talk about how the transitioned station will sound.
“We are making some tweaks,” said Jeff Norman, the president and general manager of Max Radio of Denver, formerly known as Max Media.
“There are some things in the works. Indie is my favorite station, and we’re going to try to keep the brand alive. . . . The Indie 303 website is just part of the overall plan.”
Numerous deejays contacted by The Post said they couldn’t talk, but a source close to the station said, “It’s uncharted territory in Denver. The people they’re targeting are going to think that this is cool and interesting. They’re going to get it.” Ricardo Baca
MUSIC
Hot IQs to go out with a BBQ
Beloved Denver trio Hot IQs have been the soundtrack to many Colorado nights, but the band is calling it a day with what they’re calling their “last show ever BBQ” at the Larimer Lounge tonight.
The band played an integral role in bringing Colorado indie rock into the national spotlight, and it’s safe to say they will be missed by many.
The IQs will play about 6 p.m., and the bill also includes Lion Sized, Joshua Novak, Pacific Pride and Wire Faces. Tickets, are $8 and available at bigmarks . Ricardo Baca
