BRIEF ENCOUNTER: 30 Lex

Adam Sank spills the deets on growing up in Jersey, his life in stand-up and performing nude with Brad Loekle and Chad Stringfellow at Daniel Nardicio’s new comedy event, Dirty Laundry.

Daniel Nardicio’s underwear parties are certainly nothing new. After all, the legendary sleaze-fests have been happening for nearly a decade. But his slew of new parties at 30 Lexington Avenue—the Halloween-themed Oktoberfist last month, a Garden of Earthly Delights pre-Thanksgiving party this month and, tonight, Dirty Laundry, featuring out comedians Brad Loekle, Brad Stringfellow, Drew Droege and Adam Sank, are a curious new breed of fun. Sank gave us the bare details on laughs in the nude and the career choices that got him there.

So, What was your first joke?
I went on stage at the old Gotham Comedy Club and just kind of stared blankly at the crowd for a few seconds. Then I said, “I’m waiting for my Ecstasy to kick in.”

How long have you been doing stand up?
Eight excruciating years.

Where’d you grow up? Did that play a role in your path to comedy?
I grew up in Summit, NJ—a very white-bread, WASP-y, Republican town. I was none of those things, so I always felt like an outsider, and humor was a way I got people to not beat me up.

What was being on Last Comic Standing like?
It was like three years ago. 

That recognition must have propelled your career significantly?
My name became famous in literally dozens of households. No, it was a good experience. It would have done more for me had I made it past the New York showcase and on to the Vegas round. The coolest part was, when I moved to San Diego in ’08, and I met all these young kids who were just starting out in comedy, they knew who I was and treated me like I was some big celebrity. I remember being at one guy’s apartment, and he goes, “I can’t believe Adam Sank is in my home!” I was like, “Bitch, please.”

And Now You’re performing with Brad Loekle NUDE?
I know—it’s horrifying. In truth, Brad has seen me naked many times. He’s the person who shaves my ass regularly. I think it keeps his enormous ego in check. But in terms of performing naked, I headlined naked the last two summers for the Gay Naturists International group’s annual retreat. After the first few minutes, you sort of forget that you’re nude. Unless you look down, and then it’s like, “Hello, penis!”

Do you normally prefer to be in the buff?
In my own apartment? Absolutely. Anywhere else? Not particularly. But if I had a bigger schlong, then yeah, I’d probably go to the supermarket naked.

Dirty Laundry at 30 Lexington Ave (btwn 23rd/24th Sts), Nov 18 at 9pm; $30. Visit DanielNardicio.com for more info.