Celeste Davis hit comedy gold the moment she arrived in the world. Born To Jewish hippie nudist parents - in the very heart of Orange County, California, of all places - Celeste, like any kid, rebelled against her parents.. beliefs. Still, they were hippies, so about the best she
could do was make a U-turn towards conservative values, values that demanded she wear clothes. Values that required her to avoid the magic brownies. Values that included electricity. Values that made her actually want to become an accountant.
Celeste began honing her comedic voice with the improv group "The Age Of Progressive Comedy Awareness Society (TAPCAS)." TAPCAS used an improv method known as "The Harold", not easy for a gal who was just starting out, but it served her well, giving her confidence and the knowledge that no matter what, she could always improv her way through any situation. Including bad dates with sad, stupid men.
Her improv adventures continued with The Berubians, an eclectic mix of
Fun and strangely hilarious people and situations. Celeste's work with
The Berubians eventually led her to what has become her true calling ~
Standup comedy!
Celeste's own traditionalism, combined with her innocence and simple befuddlement over her parents' lifestyle and the effect her family has had on her life, make for the equivalent of a goldmine, and Celeste digs for all it's worth. It's paying off, too, with big laughs and even bigger success!
Celeste's stories about her pot-smoking parents and their disappointment in her conservative ideals resonate with audiences everywhere; her personal style engages the crowd even more.
Studying with Barry Weisenberg (winner of the 2006 Las Vegas Comedy Festival, and a mentor to her still), Celeste has continued to hone her
talents, continuing her involvement with The Berubians and studying with Bill Word, a Southern California legend in the world of standup comedy.
Performing to packed houses all over Southern California in clubs like
The Irvine Improv, The Ice House, The Queen Mary, Martini Blues,
Harley's, The Blue Café, and Second Stage, Celeste continues to stack up credits ~ and fans! Look for Celeste during the Summer of 2007 when she'll be touring with Grace White's production of "Woman Who Kick Comedy Butt" in Northern California.
Influences
Growing up I use to think that my Dad was the funniest guy around but that soon change when we got a record player. My favorite two artists were Arlo Guthrie’s "Alice’s Restaurant" and anything from Allan Sherman. Of course, I loved Allan’s most popular songs "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah (A Letter from Camp); The Twelve Gifts of Christmas; and My Zelda."
When I finally got a small portable radio, I couldn’t get enough of Dr. Demento. If you don’t know who he is, he is this very funny radio personality with a very positive, funny, and creative voice that used to host a couple of hours of funny songs every Sunday evening. One of Dr. Demento’s most popular artists was Weird Al. Al got his start from this show.
Currently, I am enamored by John Pinette and Brian Regan. I play their CDs so much that I know their whole schtick. They are absolutely the funniest guys to date. I do see Pablo Francisco just about every time he is out too because I like seeing his physical routine. His sound effects are fantastic as well.
TV Shows
"Laff it Off With Grace Fraga"
Celeste Davis's Interests
General
I have maxed out on my dust bunny collection so that left me with a few minutes during the day.
Actually, I'm quite busy when I'm not home sitting and typing this out. Although my current focus is on Stand-Up, you may be surprised to find out a few others things about me.
1. I do my own handmade crafts of flowers, cards, soaps, candles, and some jewelry. You can check out my website www.lebellacosa.com if you would like to feign some interest.
2. I enjoy playing classical piano. I play original pieces in their original form which means that I am not doing a "Easy Piano". I did learn a few fun modern type pieces. If you are reading this and are interested, email me and I'll let you know which pieces.
3. I joined a book club and I love it because it has pushed me to read more and more patiently.
4. This year, I can't seem to get enough music. I absolutely love the outdoor summer concerts. Live bands are awesome. I got an iPod and I've downloaded just about every 1980's song out there!
Music
A very tough question as I really like music and enjoy listening to a lot of genres. I typically go for the classic rock such as Pat Bentar, Super Tramp, Blue Oyster Cult, Styx, Starship and Rush to name a few. But then sometimes my taste goes towards Cyndi Lauper, Soft Cell, Oingo Boingo. Most people are surprised to find out that I am a huge KISS fan. (I said "fan" not "fanatic".)
Movies
Again, an old flame to the cheesy 80's era such as Airplane, Porkys, any Mel Brooks movie. My absolute favorite movies are Blazing Saddles and Office Space.
Television
My favorite shows are a bit of an eclectic collection: Welcome Back Kotter, Taxi, Forensic Files, Most Haunted, and American Idol. For some odd reason, I'm hooked on the "Debbie Downer" character from SNL.
Books
I finally read "Kite Runner" and met with the Book Club last week. The book was very interesting but I didn't like it. I didn't think it was well written. I am in no position to judge someone else's writing when I'm not at a decent level myself but I was disappointed. The author focused on so much details that it got too distracting. For instance, he rambled on and on for two pages about what words in farsi meant. There was no connection to the character, I didn't gain any insight, and it felt like mindless rambling (quite similar to what I'm doing here). I found out that this was the author's first book.
Our next book will be "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. It is a fictional book regarding Vietnam.
Heroes
I have to admit that I've never had a hero growing up. My imaginary friends were the jealous type and I really didn't want to have that arguement.
Sonora High
La Habra,California
Graduated: 1986
Student status: Alumni
Degree: High School Diploma
Clubs: (No, it's not a typo. I swear I did pass my math class. I didn't start in 1982 at Sonora. I went to another school.)
1983 to 1986
Brea-Olinda High
Brea,California
Graduated: 1986
Student status: Alumni
Degree: High School Diploma
Clubs: So technically I didn't graduate from Brea but I have some old friends from there.
Who I'd like to meet: Well, I've met some fantastic comedians but nothing beats meeting nice people after my shows that will continue to laugh at my jokes. It only encourages me.
This section should really be for people I don't want to meet:
- I don't want to meet anyone for a date or a relationship because my admirers only stare at me. That's not direct eye contact, that's just creepy!
- I don't want to meet any "new" stalkers or serial killers. Been there, done that!
- I don't want to "add new Music Friends" anymore. This is overwhelming to me. I had to cut this down. Sorry. If I know you and admire you than I'll add you.
I'll just have the unemployment checks sent directly to the sushi restaurant. Having a place to live is so overrated. Like John Lennon said, "All you need is sushi. "
