Paul Mitchell of The Floaters Has Died

Paul Mitchell of Detroit soul band The Floaters has passed away.

His daughter Paula posted to social media.

“My Pops Paul Mitchell made his transition today, And all I can think about is how grateful I am that we had time to mend our broken relationship after so many years.

Although he wasn’t a fully active parent in my life 1 thing I can say is he was proud that I was his daughter (“The First Lady”), and he let it be known every chance we spent with each other throughout the years.

My Pops was a legend, he and his band The Floaters were trendsetters, they made history and they made Detroit proud.

Today he earned his wings and he left his charming mark on the nurses that cared for him.

He had his struggles but he loved his children and family the best way he knew how.

No matter what he was going through he carried himself like the legend he was and commanded respect all while fighting his demons.

The Floaters were best known for the hit song ‘Float On’. ‘Float On’reached no 1 in the UK, no 2 in the USA and no 16 in Australia.

The song was so big that Cheech & Chong recorded a piss-take as The Bloaters and ‘Bloat On’.

Paul Mitchell formed The Floaters with his brother James Mitchell who wrote the song. Ralph Mitchell (no relation), Charles Clark and Larry Cunningham were also members of the group. Cunningham died in 2019.

The Floaters recorded four albums. The first one was their only hit (no 10 US, no 17 UK and no 28 Australia).

Big Holiday Sale - Free Cheech and Chong CD - Free Domestic Shipping

  Hempy Holi-doobies!

From now until Friday, December 17th at 12PM New York, there's no domestic shipping on anything, plus you get a FREE CHEECH AND CHONG CD (our choice) with every order of $25 or more.

SF Sketchfest is coming back in person in 2022 with Cheech & Chong

 After going virtual last year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, SF Sketchfest will return to venues across San Francisco from Jan. 7 to 23 to belatedly celebrate its 20th year of keeping the city in stitches.

The initial lineup for the 2022 SF Sketchfest festival was announced Friday, Nov. 19, and is loaded with all-star tributes to comedy icons, including Cheech and Chong, original “Saturday Night Live” cast member Laraine Newman, and “In Living Color” star David Alan Grier.

The distinctive festival, which was founded in 2001, will also feature a roast of “Evil Dead” actor Bruce Campbell with roast-master Dana Gould and guests Jeffrey Combs, Sharon Gless, Kane Hodder, Jennifer Tilly and Cassandra Peterson, who is better known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.

SF Sketchfest will mark the 35th anniversary of “Perfect Strangers,” the sitcom starring Mark Linn-Baker and Bronson Pinchot, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Comedy Central series “Viva Variety.” Let’s Make a Poop! With Triumph the Insult Comic Dog will feature celebrity panelists, including musician “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Other familiar names appearing at a variety of events include David Cross, Jane Lynch, Ken Marino, Adam Scott, Eugene Mirman, Janeane Garofalo, Kristen Schaal, Sarah Vowell, Reggie Watts and many others.

There will also be live podcast recordings, game shows, storytelling and theater events, art exhibits, and the return of the annual spotlight programs on headlining and up-and-coming comedians.

Tickets for SF Sketchfest 2022 go on sale Sunday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. For prices and a full lineup of events, visit sfsketchfest.com.

Cheech and Chong to Release New Book in 2022

On April 19th, 2022, Simon and Schuster will be releasing Cheech & Chong's Chronicles: A Brief History of Weed.

Z2 proudly presents Cheech & Chong’s: A Smoke Though Time. An original graphic novel about the famous doobie duo's offbeat take on the history of cannabis.

In a world where everyone is questioning the truth, comedy legends Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin have teamed up to bring you the facts... That every important moment that ever happened ever--happened because of weed. Yup. That’s right.

About the author...

Eliot Rahal is a comics/writter and creator best know for his work on HOT LUNCH SPECIAL, MIDNIGHT VISTA and CULT CLASSIC.

More details coming soon.

‘Nash Bridges’ Revival TV Movie With Don Johnson & Cheech Marin Gets Premiere Date On USA

USA Network’s two-hour film Nash Bridges has been given a Thanksgiving weekend premiere date. It will debut on Saturday, Nov. 27.

The movie brings back original cast members Don Johnson and Cheech Marin as elite investigators for the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit. The film is part of USA’s modified programming strategy that focuses on event scripted programming. If the movie does well, it could launch a Nash Bridges series revival.

In addition to Johnson and Marin, the film brings back original Nash Bridges cast member Jeff Perry. They are joined in the cast by new additions Joe Dinicol, Diarra Kilpatrick, Angela Ko, Paul James, Alexia Garcia and Bonnie Sommerville.

Produced by Village Roadshow Television, which also controls rights to the original series created by Carlton Cuse, the film was written by Bill Chais and directed by Greg Beeman.

Johnson, Chais and Beeman executive produce alongside Cuse, who was not creatively involved in the film.

Nash Bridges originally ran for six seasons (1996-2001) on CBS.

CAMP-A-THON Virtual Event Featuring Cheech Marin, George Lopez, Neil Young, Los Lobos and More

The Painted Turtle, a camp for children with serious medical conditions and their families welcome longtime supporter, George Lopez as he hosts CAMP-A-THON, a virtual celebration of Camp and familia, on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

George Lopez, along with Reeve Carney, Danny DeVito, Daryl Hannah, Eva Noblezada, Rob Pelinka, legendary Dodger Fernando Valenzuela and Jaime Jarrín (the Spanish voice of the Dodgers) will highlight how The Painted Turtle has continued its mission to deliver camp experiences to children with chronic illnesses.

Stories about The Painted Turtle and its impact will stream throughout the day, culminating into a virtual Campfire at 7:00 pm. The event will also feature music performances by Brett Dennen, Los Lobos, Cheech Marin, and Neil Young.

For information on attending this FREE event, donating, and sponsoring opportunities visit https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/post/camp-a-thon-2021 or contact Jessica Santos at jessicas@thepaintedturtle.org.

CAMP-A-THON, themed “We are Family, Somos Familia,” is about bringing together The Painted Turtle’s incredible community of campers and their families, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate another successful year of Camp!

“This summer kids couldn’t go to the campsite and have a week long experience, but what The Painted Turtle did was bring Camp to all the campers wherever they may be, home or the hospital and they delivered what they always deliver; hope, magic, and a whole lot of fun!” –George Lopez

Cheech and Chong Confirm they Stole Sketches from The Committee

Over the years, Tommy Chong has let it slip that many of the Cheech and Chong bits were taken from The Committee.

For instance, Old Man in the Park was a complete rip-off of a The Committee sketch.

The Committee was a San Francisco-based improvisational comedy group founded in 1963 by Alan Myerson and Jessica Myerson, formerly known as Irene Ryan, Irene Riordan and now known as Latifah Taormina.

On a recent, Rhino Records podcast, Tommy Chong said they turned The Committee sketches into entire Cheech and Chong albums.

However, Cheech and Tommy still stand by their story that Dave's Not Here was created when Cheech was trying to get Tommy to open the door.  Tommy used to claim the original recording was funnier than the version they recreated in the recording studio and that the original tape has since been lost.

In reality, Dave's Not Here was created by Cheech and Dave.  Dave worked at Tommy Chong's strip/comedy club in Canada.

During the Rhino podcast, Tommy says that Earache my Eye was created by Cheech, Tommy and Gaye Delorme.  False.  It was created by Cheech and Gaye.  Tommy heard what they had created, was jealous and then re-recorded Gaye's guitar parts.

Clarence McDonald, Cheech and Chong Big Bambu Organist, Dies at 76

Clarence “Mac” McDonald, a keyboardist, producer, songwriter and arranger who collaborated with the likes of Ray Charles, Bill Withers, James Taylor and Cheech & Chong, has died. He was 76.

McDonald died Wednesday in Las Vegas after a long battle with cancer, a family spokesperson said.

In the 1960s, McDonald served as the musical director and pianist for The Vocals — an opening act for Charles that was a forerunner of The 5th Dimension — and later played keyboards on “Moving on Up,” the theme song to the 1975-85 CBS sitcom The Jeffersons that was performed by actress Ja’Net DuBois and a gospel choir.

He made songwriting contributions to Deniece Williams’ 1976 debut album This Is Niecy; produced Withers’ 1977 LP Menagerie, which included the No. 1 hit “Lovely Day”; and co-produced with Maurice White The Emotions’ 1977 album, Rejoice, which featured another chart-topper, “The Best of My Love.”

McDonald played on songs including Taylor’s 1975 classic “How Sweet It Is” and Charles and Gladys Knight’s “Heaven Help Us All,” from Charles’ final album, 2004’s Genius Loves Company, and he was the only musician heard on Cheech & Chong’s seminal 1972 comedy album Big Bambu (he played the organ).

Born in Los Angeles on Feb. 24, 1945, McDonald was playing the piano in a funeral home by the age of 12 and in nightclubs by age 16. He graduated from Dorsey High School, then, after working with The Vocals, spent two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

McDonald went on to work with such other acclaimed artists as The Temptations, Ella Fitzgerald, Carole King, The Jackson 5, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Marlena Shaw, Hall & Oates, Nancy Wilson, Freddie Hubbard, Johnny Mathis, Billy Preston, Tina Turner, Justin Timberlake, Linda Ronstadt, Boz Scaggs and Seals & Crofts during his 50-plus-year career.

Survivors include his wife, Susan.

Tommy Chong Auctioning his 1959 Jaguar Mark IX

 Tommy Chong is selling his 1959 Jaguar Mark IX on eBay.  Bidding is up to $6249 with 3 days remaining.

"This 1959 Jaguar Mk IX is a running and driving project finished in black with a brown leather interior. The original hood ornament is in place as indicated in the photographs. The tires on this car are older and there is cracking in the paint. Some of the chrome accents are loose as shown. The original California license plate that was shown in Motor Trend Magazine featuring Tommy Chong (Cheech and Chong) is attached in included with the vehicle purchase. The mileage shows just over 84000 miles, although I am not sure if these are the true miles. The former owner stated that they preformed a carburetor rebuild, replaced coolant hoses, serviced the brake master cylinder, and a full ignition tune up in 2011. I have personally driven this vehicle on my property to ensure it runs and drives but have not driven it in length to attest to the roadworthiness. 

The interior does need some much needed cosmetic love as shown. Mr. Chong did sign one of the rear flip down tray tables. The signature has faded over the years but is still visible. This is a very beautiful barn find - selling it in as found condition, the pictures speak for themselves."

Richard "Cheech Marin" Turns 75

 Comedian/actor/art aficionado, Richard 'Cheech' Marin, turns 75 today.  He was born July 13th, 1946 in Los Angeles California.

RIP John Paragon

Known to many as Jambi the Genie on longtime friend Paul Reubens’ “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” we’ve learned the sad news that actor, writer and filmmaker John Paragon has passed away.

Paragon was 66 years old, and he reportedly passed away on April 3, 2021.

Born in Anchorage, Alaska on December 9, 1954, John Paragon got his start as a member of the well-known improvisation group The Groundlings, where he met Paul Reubens, Phil Hartman and Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson. Paragon and Peterson became longtime friends and collaborators, writing the script for the 1988 feature film Elvira: Mistress of the Dark together.

Paragon later wrote the script for 2001 movie Elvira’s Haunted Hills, while also working with Peterson on “The Elvira Show,” “13 Nights of Elvira,” “Elvira’s Movie Macabre.”

Peterson paid tribute to her friend on Twitter today, writing: “Lost someone that meant the world to me and was such a huge part of “Elvira” and my life that it’s impossible to express how sad I feel. John Paragon, my writing partner of 27 years…my friend, my brother, my soul-mate. I will miss you and love you forever, Johnny.”

John Paragon was also a filmmaker, directing episodes of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” “Pacific Blue,” and “Silk Stalkings.” He directed the films Double Trouble (1992) and Twin Sitters (1994). Additional writing credits include The Pee-Wee Herman Show, Elvira’s MTV Halloween Party, Christmas at Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Ring of the Musketeers, and “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”

Paragon appeared in Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie, Eating Raoul, Pandemonium, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, UHF, Double Trouble, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, and “Seinfeld.”

For his work on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” Paragon was nominated for four Daytime Emmys.

Tommy Chong Admits to Having Plastic Surgery

During the Jeff Richards Show podcast with Louie Anderson, Tommy Chong admits he had a chin implant to hide his "Chinese chin."

Happy Birthday! Tommy Chong is 83 Years Old

 The dopemaster, Tommy Chong, turned 83 today. Tommy was born May 24th, 1938 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Cheech and Chong Cancel all 2021 Shows

 Cheech and Chong have canceled all their 2021 shows.

‘Nash Bridges’ Revival: Diarra Kilpatrick, Bonnie Somerville Among Six To Join Returning Don Johnson, Cheech Marin & Jeff Perry

 EXCLUSIVE: USA Network has firmed up cast for its upcoming Nash Bridges revival. The network has confirmed Nash Bridges will return as a two-hour movie with stars Don Johnson (Nash Bridges), Cheech Marin (Joe Dominguez) and Jeff Perry (Harvey Leek) reprising their roles. Joining Johnson, Marin and Perry are new cast members Diarra Kilpatrick (American Koko), Bonnie Somerville (Code Black), Joe Dinicol (Arrow), Alexia Garcia (Pose), Angela Ko (Rebel) and Paul James (Soundtrack). A premiere date has not yet been announced.

The movie brings Johnson and Marin back together as elite investigators for the San Francisco Police Department Special Investigations Unit. The revival, which has been in development at USA since 2019 as a two-hour movie, comes from Johnson, Bill Chais (Franklin & Bash) and Marc Rosen. Village Roadshow Television, which also controls rights to the property, is producing.

Perry’s Harvey Leek is an eccentric, paranoid, conspiracy-theory spouting former cop who has become an off-the-grid recluse.

Kilpatrick is Lena Harris, police captain and Nash’s boss.

Dinicol plays Steven Colton, a by-the-book millennial cop.

Ko plays Ellie Tang, a rebellious, adrenaline junkie SIU Investigator.

James is Keith “Philly” Morton, a tough as nails SIU inspector and Ellie’s partner.

Somerville plays Christina Hunter, a psychiatrist who contracts with SIU to evaluate cops.

The original Nash Bridges series ran on CBS from 1996 to 2001.

Kilpatrick wrote and starred in the Viola Davis-produced digital series American Koko, receiving an Emmy nomination for her role. Her other TV credits include Perry Mason, The Practice and The Last O.G., on which she also served as a writer. She’s repped by CAA and Artists First.

Somerville starred in CBS’ medical drama Code Black and also is known for her roles on Friends and NYPD Blue. She most recently recurred on CBS’ drama Blue Bloods and will next be seen in a recurring role on the upcoming Starz series Heels. She’s repped by A3 Artists Agency and Alchemy Entertainment.

Dinicol was most recently seen in Blindspot and as Rory Regan/Ragman in the CW’s Arrow. He’s repped by Fountainhead Talent and ICM Partners.

Cheech & Chong 420 Special - Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson and this week's co-host Henry Cejudo sat down with Cheech and Chong for a special 420 #Hotboxin​ episode. In this episode, Cheech and Chong talk about performing comedy in a prison, the evolution of trees, old school boxing, Mike educates the guys on the Toad, and so much more. Grab a joint, get some snacks and enjo

 

Happy 4/20!

 What is this sh*t, man?  Dogecoin?

Activist, Comedian Cheech Marin to Help Kick Off César E. Chávez Celebration

Widely known as one half of the iconic comedy duo Cheech and Chong, Cheech Marin is lending his talent, knowledge and humor to help kick off the University of California San Diego 2021 César E. Chávez Celebration on April 8. His talk is part of a monthlong series of free virtual events that honor the life and achievements of Mexican American labor leader and civil rights activist César E. Chávez. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the university coming together in honor of the legacy and contributions of Chávez and the Chicanx-Latinx community. All events are open to the campus community and the public.

April’s lineup of events will center on the theme of “50 Years of Chicano Movement: Honoring the Legacy & Struggle.” Richard “Cheech” Marin—a comedian, activist and actor—will deliver the keynote address as part of the 20th Annual César E. Chávez Celebration Kickoff and Scholarship Awards on April 8. The keynote will include a discussion of his career in comedy and film, his community activism as well his art collection. A passionate Chicanx art supporter and collector, Marin has developed the finest private collection of Chicanx art in the nation through the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture and Industry.

Alongside the virtual kickoff and other celebratory events, the university has made available free online resources to learn more about Chávez, the Chicano Movement, San Diego’s Chicano Park and more.

“The life and legacy of César E. Chávez is an inspiration to all collaborators and advocates for equity and social justice,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “One of my favorite Chávez quotes embodies our Triton spirit of collaboration and social mobility. He said, ‘We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.’ Throughout this month, we celebrate the important movement Chávez and others began and reenergize ourselves to continue progress for a more just, equitable tomorrow.”

An advocate for equality and civil rights, Chávez dedicated his life to righting the injustices that plagued migrant farmworkers across the nation. In 1962, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). NFWA joined forces with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) in 1966, merging to become the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee and later renamed the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). UFW continues to fight for improved social and economic conditions for farmworkers around the country.

He is also a principal figure in the Chicano Movement. In the 1960s, the Chicano Movement—or El Movimiento—arose as the largest and most widespread civil rights and empowerment movement by people of Mexican descent in the U.S. During this time in 1965, Chávez played a major role in the Delano Grape Strike, a momentous five-year event that culminated in higher pay, better benefits and more protection for farmworkers.

Update: Riverside Wants to Waste Millions of Dollars on Cheech Marin Museum

Update:  The City Council agreed to this ridiculous project with an alleged wife beater's name on it.  Wasteful government.

Riverside City, California wants to remodel a library to display Cheech Marin's chicano artwork.  This is the same collection that toured the nation a few years back (sponsored by Target).

The plan is set to go to the full City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 19 for approval — just days before an offer to renovate the library for $13.3 million expires. The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, as it will be called, is expected to open in late 2021.

It will cost $10.7 million to build and $1 million per year to operate.

Taxpayers should be pissed.  Such a waste of money.

The council must be a bunch of star f*ckers.  Do they even know the real Richard Marin?  Have they read the TMZ article about the 'alleged' incidents?

Is this a tax write-off for Cheech so he can continue buying art?

New Documentary Explores Pat Morita's Life and Career

Fifteen years after his death at the age of 73, Pat Morita — star of The Karate Kid and honorary star of the Netflix hit Cobra Kai — remains a beloved Hollywood legend. But long before Morita created one of the most indelible characters in film history with his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi, the Japanese-American comedian and actor spent decades breaking barriers on the big and small screens. 

In the new documentary More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story, director Kevin Derek explores the actor's extraordinary life and varied career, from his childhood battle with spinal tuberculosis to his early days as a stand-up comedian to his later struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. The film features archival interviews with Morita as well as new conversations with his many costars, including The Karate Kid's Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, Happy Days' Marion Ross and Henry Winkler, and fellow comics Larry Miller and Tommy Chong.

More Than Miyagi premieres on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms Feb. 5.

Riverside Wants to Waste Millions of Dollars on Cheech Marin Museum

Riverside City, California wants to remodel a library to display Cheech Marin's chicano artwork.  This is the same collection that toured the nation a few years back (sponsored by Target).

The plan is set to go to the full City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 19 for approval — just days before an offer to renovate the library for $13.3 million expires. The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, as it will be called, is expected to open in late 2021.

It will cost $10.7 million to build and $1 million per year to operate.

Taxpayers should be pissed.  Such a waste of money.

The council must be a bunch of star f*ckers.  Do they even know the real Richard Marin?  Have they read the TMZ article about the 'alleged' incidents?

Is this a tax write-off for Cheech so he can continue buying art?