Comic Phil Tag joins host Rich Stein

Catching Up With Comedians

Phil Tagliaferri bounced onto the stage of the Emerald Princess this past October while the wife and I were celebrating our second honeymoon// empty nest vaca.

This was a fourteen day cruise and the first one we had gone on without friends, relatives or castaways so we were determined to see every comedy show and as many of the large shows as we could fit in.

Phil who wisely whittled his last name down to TAG, ( after countless teachers, coaches and cruise directors had no doubt been butchering it for years) hit the stage in great voice, energy and a take no prisoners delivery.

The wife and I both liked him immediately and saw not only his early show but his later, more spicy show as well. I'm proud to say that of the few comics I passed my card to, he was the first to respond and the first to come on my podcast.

There are a large number of comics and entertainers that hail from New Jersey, The Boss, Eddie ( lives there) Dave Attell, Jeff Ross, Artie Lange and one could easily add Phil to this list.

Entering comedy during the 80's BOOM, he was a working club comic within two years and quickly added a Showtime stand up Comedy credit and many writing credits early on. He eventually landed Evening at the Improv, Star Search, and at least one Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as writing for Norm Macdonald for two seasons of "Weekend Update!"

It was really fun talking with Phil as he regales a very busy career on the road, in Major Casinos, a Muti-year contract working for the MGM-Disney studios in Florida as well as close to twenty years as a top tier Cruise ship comedian.

Next up, Phil will throw down anchor in New York City and start calling out markers for TV and Movie writing gigs as well as performing on all the top stages in the Big Apple.

Please welcome to the mics this week: PHIL TAG