POOCH TO HEADLINE IN TAOS, N.M.

(Denver, CO, May 16, 2011) – Michael “Pooch” Puccini, seen on NBC’s 2010 show Last Comic Standing (including the show’s national commercial), proudly announced today that he will be the headline comedian for a benefit comedy show taking place at the Hotel Don Fernando de Taos, in Taos, NM on Friday, May 20, 2011.

The performance will be a fundraiser for Taos County’s Assistance Dogs of the West program.  The doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 7:00 p.m.  The admission for the 21-and-over event is $10, with all of the proceeds going directly to the program.

“I performed in Taos at the Don Fernando as a feature act last year and had such a phenomenal time that it is a delight to be returning to this beautiful part of our country and this wonderful venue as the headliner,” said Pooch.  “And, yes, I understand the irony of having me, a comedian named Pooch, performing at a benefit to support dogs, but it’s the first time in my lengthy career that I can proudly say in a positive manner: ‘This show is for the dogs.’”

Appearing with Pooch will be co-headliner opening-act Jimmy Abeyta, Denver’s top Latino comedian who has performed two world tours entertaining U.S. troops and has appeared on a television special with George Lopez.  Taos resident and comedy show promoter Marc Kaplan will be the event’s emcee.

Situated on the main road - Highway 68 - through Taos, the Hotel Don Fernando de Taos is located at 1005 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur.  For reservations or additional information, contact Shirley Mondragon, Director of Sales, Hotel Don Fernando (575) 758-4444.

Based out of Santa Fe, NM, Assistance Dogs of the West train assistance/service dogs for people with various disabilities.  The organization also train dogs being utilized by the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the Courthouse Dogs Program which provide emotional support to children and their families during the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault and child abuse offenses.

ABOUT POOCH
A smart and versatile comedy writer and performer originally from San Jose, California, Michael “Pooch” Puccini is one of the most entertaining talents working today’s comedy scene. His distinct, positive show includes a combination of original California culture-based material, audience participation, song-and-dance, and props. He appeared on Last Comic Standing 7, including the national commercial for the show, in June 2010. In 2007, he was selected as a participant in the 32nd Annual San Francisco International Stand-Up Comedy Competition, and won the Comedy Talent category of Lil’ Wayne’s “Making the Next Hit” Talent Search in Hollywood, CA. In 2008, Pooch was cast in multiple roles and performed voice-overs in the independent film Dirty Jokes: The Movie. After years of being a mainstay on the Southern California comedy scene, the unique and eccentric entertainer relocated to Denver, CO, in the fall of 2008 to tour the region and further his professional comedy aspirations.

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