Tom Snyder Dead at 71

Late night TV host Tom Snyder died of Leukemia Sunday morning. Tommy Chong told us this morning that he and Cheech did his show on two occasions.

NBC put together this piece on Tom Snyder which features some of his most memorable interviews. Cheech & Chong are after the one minute mark.

More Tommy Chong Tour Dates Added

Tommy and Shelby Chong, are touring like mad. Check out all the dates we've added under "Current Events."

It's a really funny show. Don't miss it.

Read Tommy Chong's Interview in High Times Magazine

High Times magazine conducted a great interview with Tommy Chong in their September issue (on newsstands now). In the article, Tommy discusses how he had his 1946 low rider Oldsmobile converted into an electric car, complete with built-in vaporizer. He also started a company named Hippy Motors with Greg Abbott (aka Reverend Gadget).

Tommy also discusses television shows he's working on, his relationship with Cheech, his incarceration and more.

Read Here

Hippy Motors Myspace Page

For more info on the car read here.

Cheech & Chong to be Inducted into the High Times Counterculture Hall of Fame

The 20th annual High Times Cannabis Cup will feature the inductions of Cheech and Chong into the Counterculture Hall of Fame. A number of pot comedians will be performing at the event. The expo will be held at the Powerzone, one of Amsterdam's largest and most comfortable night clubs (capacity 3,000 people). The Powerzone is located near Amstel Station. The closest 5-star hotel is the Okura.

Opening Ceremonies will be held on Sunday, November 18 at the Powerzone. The Awards Show will be held Thursday, November 22 at the Melkweg. Tommy Chong will be on-hand. Bands and other performers will be announced soon.

Attendees should book tickets soon as this looks like it will be an early sell-out.

Purchase tickets.

Celebrities coming out in force to support John Ratzenberger's Discovery and Invention weekend event at Limoneira Company

As the celebrity committee for John Ratzenberger's Discovery and Invention event continues to grow, so does the excitement that surrounds the weekend. Big names such as Apolo Anton Ohno, Olympic Speed Skating Gold Medalist and recent Dancing with the Stars Champion, and actors Courtney B. Vance, Patrick Warburton and Jim Colborn join the likes of Cheech Marin, Phyllis Diller, George Wendt, Lee Iacocca, Edyta Sliwinska and Greg Evigan as part of the host celebrity committee for John Ratzenberger's Discovery and Invention.

John Ratzenberger's Discovery and Invention is a three day event being held on November 1-3, 2007 in Santa Paula at Limoneira Company. The event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Santa Clara Valley and the Education for Children with Diabetes Foundation. The festivities will open with a VIP reception on Thursday, November 1st. Friday, November 2nd, celebrities will join teams of three and compete in what has become one of America’s fastest growing team sports... Bocce Ball! Set within the lemon and avocado orchards, twelve brand-new regulation-sized bocce ball courts have been newly constructed in Limoneira's orchards! The evening will close with an elegant and festive Dinner and Auction with the famous Chef Steff Tedeschi, the first American chef to become a member of the prestigious L'Orde International des Disciples d'Auguste.

The festivities will continue on Saturday, November 3rd, as John Ratzenberger will host the first annual Tinkering Day. Tinkering Day will feature interactive exhibitions designed to plant the seeds of discovery and invention. Participants will imagine, build, fix and create at various workstations that are sponsored by some of America’s best manufacturers, machinists, tradesmen, technical programs and more. They can visit the Deering Banjo booth and instead of simply learning to play the banjo, the children will also learn how to build one. Companies such as HAAS Automation, WET Design, Zamboni, Marble King, Agromin, The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, Economic Alliance, Industrial Metal Supply, GibsonTechEd.com, LA Mission College, Clark Magnet High School and many more are all eagerly participating.

John Ratzenberger's Discovery and Invention is hosted by the Nuts, Bolts, and Thingamajigs Foundation. NBTF is a non-profit organization. The mission of Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation is to avert a growing crisis in America, one that is occurring because too few young people now develop the kind of manual skills required by industries, workshops, and engineering practices. Through mentoring programs, education, and media awareness, NBTF will once again introduce young people to the pleasures of tinkering. And in that way, we will create the next generation of artisans, inventors, engineers, repairmen and skilled workers—in short, a self-sufficient, self-sustaining society.

"Little hands build big dreams. Give children tools and watch them build America."

The Cheech and Chong Movie That Never Was

A few years ago, Tommy Chong's daughters, Rae Dawn and Precious Chong, penned a screenplay for what was supposed to be the Cheech and Chong reunion film. Well, to make a long story short, the film, Get Blunt, was never made.

Rae Dawn and Precious allowed WILDsound, a film club of sorts, to use the screenplay for their screenplay festival. The festival brings best new writing together with a cast of professional actors for an unforgettable evening's entertainment.

The first reading was in June. The names Pedro and Man were changed to Kinky and Remus. There is another complete reading, including Precious as the secretary, on Wednesday, August 15th at 7 p.m. at the National Film Board Theatre (150 John Street in the Entertainment District in downtown Toronto).

Watch Highlights From June Reading

For More Details

Tommy Chong's Pimped-Out Ride Featured in High Times

Tommy Chong's eco-friendly, pimped-out low rider, complete with built-in vaporizer, is featured in the September issue of High Times Magazine.

The I Chong Now Available In Paperback

We now carry the paperback version Tommy Chong's book, The I Chong: Meditations From The Joint. The content is the same as the hard cover, but it has a brand new cover. It also has a super low price.

Buy Here

Photos of Trailer Park Russ and The Chongs

Last weekend, superfan, Trailer Park Russ, and his wife had photos taken with Tommy and Shelby Chong after the show at the Comedy Zone.

Is it me or does everyone in this photo look related?

Press Release: Up In Smoke: High-Larious Edition

New DVD Will Satisfy Every Craving September 4, 2007 Featuring New Interviews with Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, Deleted Scenes, Vintage Radio Spots and Much More

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – It’s time to fire up the DVD player and invite your buds over to your place because the UP IN SMOKE High-Larious Edition DVD is lighting up September 4, 2007 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong made their feature film debut in this outrageously funny classic inspired by their now legendary comedy routines of the early ‘70s. Following massive success with over 10 million comedy albums sold, Cheech and Chong took Hollywood by storm when UP IN SMOKE became a smash hit, establishing the pair as the reigning comedy duo of a new generation. In UP IN SMOKE they play out of work stoners who unwittingly smuggle a van made of marijuana from Mexico to L.A. Their drug-laced humor keeps their spirits high as they unknowingly elude the police and meander their way to an outrageous finale at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood where Cheech performs in a pink tutu and Chong dresses as a large red Quaalude. The UP IN SMOKE High-Larious Edition DVD is loaded with special features including new interviews with Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, commentary by Marin and director Lou Adler, Roach Clips (deleted scenes) with optional commentary, “Lighting Up—A Look Back at UP IN SMOKE”, “Earache My Eye”, an animated music video featuring Alice Bowie, Cheech & Chong’s “The Man Song”, two vintage radio spots and the original theatrical trailer.

DVD
The UP IN SMOKE High-Larious Edition DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, English 2.0 Surround and French Mono and English and French subtitles. Bonus features included on the DVD are as follows:

o Lighting Up—A Look Back at UP IN SMOKE—includes new interviews with Cheech and Chong
o Commentary by Cheech Marin and director Lou Adler
o Roach Clips (deleted scenes) with optional commentary
o “Earache My Eye” animated music video featuring Alice Bowie
o Cheech & Chong’s “The Man Song”
o Two vintage radio spots
o Original theatrical trailer

About Paramount Home Entertainment
Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA, VIA.B), a global entertainment company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment through the Paramount Motion Picture Group. PHE is responsible for the worldwide sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS, PBS and Hasbro and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.

Tahoe Golf Tournament Recap

The American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada wrapped up yesterday. Cheech Marin's group, which included Charles Barkley, Kevin Nealon and Don Cheadle, had a blast out there. They frequently hammed it up for the crowd.

Charles Barkley finished last with minus 94 points. Cheech Marin was second-to-last with minus 67.

Ultimately, former NFL quarterback, Chris Chandler, was crowned the winner.

Read Here
and
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BREAKING NEWS...TOMMY CHONG HINTS THAT HE AND CHEECH WILL BE REUNITING

During an interview with Florida's First Coast News today, Tommy Chong revealed that he and Cheech were made an offer they couldn't refuse. Cheech may be wearing a tutu again.

Although the contracts haven't been signed yet, it is likely that he and Cheech will be working together again. We here at Cheech and Chong Dot Com know what the project is, but can't reveal any details until Cheech and Chong sign the contract and give us their ok.

Tommy and Shelby will be at the Comedy Zone inside the Ramada Inn in Mandarin.

Tonight (July 12th) at 8 p.m.
Friday, July 13th at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 14th at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Tickets are $25. Call (904)292-HAHA for more information.

View Interview

Happy Birthday Cheech Marin!

The brilliant Cheech Marin turns 61 on Friday. Cheech was born July 13th, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA.

Happy Birthday Cheech!

By the way, we've added more dates for Cheech's Chicano Visions tour. Cheech will also be giving a lecture on the topic in September.

DVD Price Drop: DVD GIFTSET: UP IN SMOKE/STILL SMOKIN

We've slashed the price of the DVD GIFTSET: UP IN SMOKE/STILL SMOKIN to $12.99. It's a bargain compared to the price charged by competitors.

Now Pre-booking. Up In Smoke: High-Larious Edition DVD

Paramount Pictures has announced that a special edition of Up In Smoke will be released September 4th, 2007.

The Up In Smoke: High-Larious Edition DVD has tons of extra the original DVD release did not have. Now you can watch Basketball Jones in its entirety (previously could only watch a low-quality version which was available on youtube).

DVD Features:
Commentary: Commentary by Cheech Marin and Director Lou Adler. Tons of rare information.
Roach Clips (Deleted Scenes) With Optional Commentary.
Lighting Up - A Look Back at Up In Smoke
"Basketball Jones" - Cartoon Short w/Intro
Music Videos: "Earache My Eye" Animated Music Video
The Man Song
Still Smokin' Tie in
2 Vintage Radio Spots:
Up In Smoke #1 Featuring Horrendo Revolver
Up In Smoke #2 Featuring Saydis Saydat
Theatrical Trailer
Subtitles in English.

Order Now

Remember: Don't Shop at Peppertree Bookstore

Just a reminder, folks. Don't shop at Peppertree Bookstores of California. They purchased a lot of CDs from us last year, only paid for part of their bill and then returned a bunch of the CDs damaged and open.

Cheech to be in Tales from Earthsea English Cast

According to the Anime News Network, Cheech Marin will be in the English cast of Tales from Earthsea, anime film based on the Earthsea fantasy novels.

The rest of the cast includes Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Matt Levin, Mariska Hargitay and Blaire Restaneo

The English dub DVD of this anime film will be released in Japan on July 4th and will be in UK theatres beginning August 3rd. It will not be in the United States until 2009 because the Sci-Fi Channel already has their own adaptation of the novels.

Read Here

And Now You can Comment...

The "comments" feature was so popular on The Blog Of Chong that we've added it to Cheech and Chong News.

So start posting or we'll have you pickin those god damn bananas like that Finkelstein shit kid.

Works on Paper from the Collection of Cheech Marin

Marin is best known for his acting roles, but is also a director, writer, musician, humanitarian and art collector. As an art collector, Marin has amassed one of the world’s largest private collections of Chicano paintings and artwork in the country. Recently, paintings from his collection has traveled in various exhibitions throughout the country on a national tour through major cities and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution. Papel Chicano, curated by Patty Haberman, MCA Curator, includes pastels, ink drawings, acrylics, and oils on paper. Some of these works have never before been exhibited in Arizona.

Bold and intense imagery rich in color has long been a trademark of artwork created to express the Chicano experience. Papel Chicano includes nearly 40 works -- many never before publicly displayed -- by 19 established artists: Gaspar Enriquez, Diane Gamboa, Margaret Garcia, Raul Guerrero, Roberto Gutierrez, Wayne Alaniz Healy, Adan Hernandez, Leo Limon, Jose Lozano, Chuy Martin, Cesar Martinez, Alex Rubio, Frank Romero, Eloy Torrez, John Valadez, Patssi Valdez, Vincent Valdez, and George Yepes.

For some, the exhibition’s title begs for a definition: What is ‘Chicano?’ To Marin, ‘Chicano’ means ‘Mexican meets American.’. According to Chicano historian Juan Bruce-Novoa, the word ’Chicano’ lives in the hyphen between Mexican-American, but the definition changes with each generation. Marin was once quoted as stating: “It's not a census term like Hispanic…you choose to be a Chicano. I grew up being a Chicano. I didn't feel ‘Mexican-American.’ I didn't feel ‘Hispanic’ and I definitely wasn't the ‘Dick-and-Jane American’…when I got to Chicano, when I heard that term I felt loved. That's me.”

When Marin became financially successful he indulged his lifelong interest in art, specifically Chicano art, because it was something he would relate to. “The first time I saw Chicano art, it's like the first time I heard the Beatles. It was recognizable because it was built on something I knew, but it was really new and different and refreshing and full of life.”

For many, Papel Chicano will serve as an introduction to the inevitable influence of Chicano culture in America. But Marin says “It would have happened anyway…when you view the art and understand the many interpretations, whether social or political and even religious, you see a 360-degree view of the Chicano experience.”

Marin often speaks publicly about his career, his vision and his art collection, and will be speaking September 13 at 7:30 pm in the Piper Repertory Theater. Premier tickets for A Conversation with Cheech Marin are $100, which includes Marin’s talk, private artist reception and autographed Papel Chicano Exhibition Catalog. Regularly priced tickets are $30. All Tickets go one sale to the general public July 14th. Mesa Arts Center Members will be able to buy tickets before the general public.

Cheech to Speak in Mesa

Best known as on half of counter-culture duo "Cheech and Chong," comedian, humanitarian, TV, and film star Cheech Marin is a paradox in the world of entertainment.

Marin will discuss his career, his vision, and his extensive collection of Chicano artwork, which is one of the largest private collections of its kind.

Papel Chicano: Works on Paper from the Collection of Cheech Marin opens at Mesa Contemporary Arts September 14.

Premier tickets for A Conversation with Cheech Marin are $100, which includes Marin’s talk, private artist reception and autographed Papel Chicano Exhibition Catalog. Regularly priced tickets are $30. All Tickets go one sale to the general public July 14th. Mesa Arts Center Members will be able to buy tickets before the general public.

When: Thursday, September 13, 7:30PM
Tickets go onsale next week.
Ticket price: $30.00-$100.00

Buy Here

International Songwriting Competition "Early Bird Deadline" Quickly Approaching

Enter early and take advantage of ISC's Early Bird deadline. For songs entered on or before July 16, the first song entry is $30, and all additional entries are only $20 (save $10 per entry on multiple entries). After July 16, the fee is $30 per song entry with no discount for additional entries. This is a great opportunity to save on entry fees.

All online entrants also receive a complimentary six-month membership to Sonicbids.

Go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com to enter songs via mail or online.

ISC winners benefit from extensive press and publicity, gaining exposure and recognition from an international music market of industry professionals and fans. ISC welcomes original songs from musicians, artists, and songwriters at every level from amateur to professional. Multiple songs may be submitted in each category or the same song may be entered in more than one category.

ISC is proud to announce the addition of a new category for 2007: Comedy/Novelty. Judging this category will be comedy icons "Weird Al' Yankovic (Three-Time Grammy Winner), David Cross (Arrested Development), and Cheech Marin (Cheech and Chong).

ISC is unique because of its judges. Since its inception, ISC has been renowned for having the most prestigious judging panel of any songwriting competition in the world. Its judges include high-profile recording artists and respected music executives. Entering ISC offers you an unprecedented opportunity to have your music heard by these influential members of the music industry.

The 2007 ISC judging panel includes recording artists such as: Tom Waits; Loretta Lynn; Julian Casablancas (The Strokes); Nelly Furtado; Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Ornette Coleman; Youssou N'Dour; Sean Paul; Jerry Lee Lewis; "Weird Al" Yankovic; Frank Black (Pixies); Robert Smith (The Cure); Cassandra Wilson; David Cross; Craig Morgan; John Mayall; Joe Satriani; Toby Mac; Billy Dean; Michael W. Smith; Chris Hillman (The Byrds); John Scofield; Hinder; Amy Ray (Indigo Girls); Cheech Marin; Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Macy Gray; Peter Hook (New Order); Paulina Rubio; and Tiesto.

And the judging panel also includes top industry executives such as: Charlie Walk (President, Epic Records); Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Mona Scott-Young (President, Violator Records); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Steve Lillywhite (Producer - credits include U2, The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Peter Gabriel, and more); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Betty Pino (DJ, WAMR Miami, pioneer of Latin radio); Angel Carrasco (President, 605 Discos and Sr. VP A&R, Sony BMG Latin America); Thomas Brooman (Co-Founder/Artistic Director, WOMAD); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Nancy Wolpert (VP Home Entertainment and Nick Records, Nickelodeon/BMG); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People); and Paul Majors (CEO/Founder Majors Music).

Enter any of ISC's 19 categories:
Pop/Top 40, AAA (Adult Album Alternative), Rock, Country, Americana, R&B/Hip-Hop, Blues, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Jazz, Gospel/Christian, Latin Music, Instrumental, Dance/Electronica, Comedy/Novelty, World Music, Children's Music, Lyrics Only, Teen, and Performance

'The Perfect Game' to Begin Shooting in San Bernardino

Filmmakers have transformed a little league field in San Bernardino, California into a 1957 Williamsport, Pennsylvania little league field. It's all for the film 'The Perfect Game.'

The film is based on a true story about a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who become the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series. Shooting has already been completed in Valencia, CA and Mexico.

The film stars Cheech Marin, Clifton Collins Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr.

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Top 11 Awesome Canadians

UnderGroundOnline has named Tommy Chong #8 in their list of the "Top 11 Awesome Canadians." He is a "revolutionary comic whose work with Cheech Marin redefined the concept of the comedy album."

#1 is the cast of You Can't Do That On Television.

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Cheech Marin in Don Felder Video from 1983

In 1983, Cheech Marin portrayed an accident-prone driver in a Don Felder music video. Don Felder is best known as a member of the Eagles. He's also had some solo albums over the years. In this video for Bad Girls, Cheech is a driver that gets into car accidents whenever he sees a pretty chick. ha ha. Gotta love the 80s.