Long Island Laughs Around Town Stand-up with Chris Roach

By Joseph Palmisano

Laugh, laugh, laugh!!!

That’s what Long Island’s own, comic Chris Roach, will have you doing. Chris is a Ronkonkoma native, die-hard New York Rangers fan, accomplished actor and all-around funny guy. He has graced the stages of some of the biggest and most wellknown comedy clubs in the country, from Gotham and Comedy Strip Live in NYC, to the Borgata in Atlantic City, to The Paramount in Huntington and everywhere in-between. Not only can you see him live on stage, at any given time he can be heard as a guest on local radio such as 102.3 WBAB with Roger and JP in the morning, SiriusXM, The Big Fat Joey Show on 95.9 WGBB, along with being on numerous podcasts.

Chris continues to work with his friend and former TV castmate and comedian Kevin James. We all know Kevin from having starred in movies

Joe Piccs Picks

By Joseph Piccininni Jr

Joe and Cyn, CONGRATULATIONS! on the birth of your brainchild, Hamptons Storyboard magazine. I still remember that moment we met at the Starbucks on Hampton Road, the first week it opened, it was love at first sip! Here’s to many more years of success and epic stories that await to unfold in your glossy pages!!!

If there’s one thing the Hamptons are known for, it’s their beaches. First up, is a rendezvous with the holy trinity of my favorite village beaches - Wyandanch, Little Plains and Coopers Beach. Coopers Beach always ranks high and for 2023 it’s ranked the 3rd best beach in the U.S.A. by Dr. Beach (drbeach.org).

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the new concession owners will have some live music every such as Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups and Sandy Wexler, as well as on TV on The King of Queens and Kevin Can Waitwhere Chris and Kevin met. Kevin still does his comedy tour and Chris opens for him on many occasions.

Chris shared his career trajectory with us, detailing what led him to pursue comedy/acting. Just like the majority of us, Chris, in his early 20’s, was still trying to find himself. He worked as a bouncer, had delivery jobs and worked in an office. That was until one day when he realized that he needed to make a change. That change would be to follow in his father’s, and many other family members, footsteps and become a New York City police officer. Chris joined the ranks of NYC’s Finest, he loved the job and the community he served but, after a few years he decided that law enforcement was not for him. So, back to the business world he went. While doing the corporate thing, Chris’s company sent his division to a Dale Carnegie seminar on public speaking, where he rocked it by incorporating jokes into his presentations. He did this to overcome his uneasiness when speaking publicly. At the end of the seminar a fellow participant asked him if he did stand-up, he said no, they said and he quotes them, ‘you’d be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t try stand-up.’

With that, Chris embarked on becoming a comedian. He went to McGuire’s comedy club, here on Long Island, where they were hosting a Stand-Up University. Chris took this course 4 or 5 times in a row and fell in love with not only the comedic side of the business, he fell in love with the people, places and comradery of it.

Now if you’re looking to kick back and have some fun, the back bar at Southampton Publick House is my version of a fun school reunion-but with better food and drinks. It’s the best spot to rekindle old friendships and raise a glass to those returning for the season.

Since then, he’s been on TV, most notably as Mott, the giant, long suffering father of seven opposite his TV wife Cindy, played by Jackie Sandler, on Kevin Can Wait. Chris fondly recalls how down to earth and nice both Jackie and her husband Adam (Sandler) were to him. He loved every minute of being on the show and is proud of the work he did there and is super excited about continuing to perform as a comic. As a side note, as if the world isn’t small enough, my friend and contributor Vince Edgehill worked on the show with Chris as a pizza maker at Enzo’s, the pizza shop they all hung out at.

IG @Roachcomic Chrisroachcomedy.com

Last, but definitely not least, the sunsets. As they say in real estate; location, location, location, and my favorite locations for the east end’s most stunning sunsets are: Towd Point, Beacon in Sag Harbor, The Montauket, and Inlet Seafood.

Sunday. Nothing like jamming to the music with the sweat kiss of ocean air wafting over you.

Speaking of music, I’m buzzing with anticipation to see the local bands play. My favorites, without a doubt, are the Roses Grove Band and Rum Punch Mafia. I’m looking forward to seeing them create magic at the Steven Talkhouse. They’re always so much fun to see. I’d brace yourselves folks, if their previous performances are any indication, our eardrums are in for a treat.

Then there’s the grand reopening of Shippy’s. A hiatus of one year has left our taste buds yearning for some SIZZLING steaks, sauerbraten, schnitzel and those delicious baked clams-did someone mention a Biergarten?

Sundays are synonymous with Montauk and it’s an absolute must to be out and about there. I like to start out at the Shagwong and wrap it up at the Montauket to take in a breathtaking sunset. It’s a tradition etched in my summer itinerary. The LIRR is my chariot of choice for these Sunday excursions, 2pm out and 11pm back (if we make it-LOL).

In between all this, you’ll find me darting around properties, negotiating deals and attempting to strike that elusive work-life balance.

So, here’s to a Summer that promises to be as shimmering as this new venture. To laughter, friendships, and moments that will make splendid stories for Hamptons Storyboard’s future editions. Cheers!!!

Joseph Piccininni Jr is a luxury real estate agent based in Southampton at Compass Real Estate. Contact him at 631.943.3816 or online at Pickjoe.com for all your real estate needs.