Cummins looks to improve his ‘Standing’

Spokane comedian Dan Cummins tried out, unsuccessfully, for NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” last season and didn’t think he’d ever try out again.

But wait a minute – isn’t that Cummins doing a Riggins, Idaho, joke on the ads for this season’s “Last Comic Standing”?

“Hey,” he said on his MySpace blog. “I’m greedy for exposure.”

The network is revealing no information about who might or might not have been selected as a finalist for this season, which is just under way, but surely it’s a good omen that he’s been highly visible on ad spots.

Keep an eye out for him on Thursday nights at 8:30.

Another reality alert

Speaking of local comedians who may or may not be on TV reality shows, we’ve heard unsubstantiated rumors that local comedy fans might find it worthwhile to watch NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” when it returns to the air on June 17.

Meanwhile, don’t forget about Spokane comedian Jay Wendell Walker’s show at CenterStage on Saturday at 8 p.m. Call (509) 747-8243 for tickets.

A comedy benefit

In other local comedy news, a cast of Northwest comedy veterans will hold a benefit for well-known local drummer Chris Rieser on June 20 and 21, 8 p.m. at the Brickwall Comedy Club, 105 E. Mission Ave.

Rieser has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Performer at this comedy benefit will be Vince Valenzuela, Mike Wally Walter and Nick Theisen. Tickets are $12 in advance, through TicketsWest outlets (325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

The Makaha Sons

The Makaha Sons, one of the best-known of Hawaii’s traditional music groups, have been booked into the Bing Crosby Theater on June 26, 7 p.m.

They’ve been perpetuating Hawaiian music since 1976. Tickets are available through TicketsWest outlets.