Comedian, actress, activist: Margaret Cho brings stand-up and song to The Orange Peel

By Michael Flynn I take5 correspondent

From stand-up to television to books to movies, comedian Margaret Cho has built a diverse and passionate fan base. And the comic provocateur is once again expanding her entertainment repertoire, this time into the realm of comedy music.

Working with musicians Patty Griffin, Jon Brion and Grant Lee Phillips, among others, Cho has plugged in her guitar, warmed up her singing voice, and is readying an album of song and comedy, titled “Guitarded,” for release next year.

Cho is on tour this fall, hitting stages around the country with a firebrand mix of stand-up routines and comedy tunes. The tour hits Asheville on Wednesday for a double-shot of gigs at The Orange Peel.

Billed as workshop shows to sharpen new material, expect Cho to highlight her politically-charged, socially relevant and raunch-flavored comedy.

Raised in San Francisco, Cho, 40, began performing stand-up at age 16 above a bookshop her parents ran. After rocketing to fame in the '90s, Cho's projects in recent years have included an off-Broadway variety show “The Sensuous Woman,” the international stand-up tour titled “Beautiful,” and the current Lifetime television series “Drop Dead Diva.”

For her outspoken equal rights advocacy, Cho has been honored by numerous groups, including the National Organization for Women, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

On doctor's orders to rest her voice, Cho checked in with take5 via e-mail.

Question: What drew you to writing and performing music?

Answer: I am always looking for something new to add to what I do as a stand-up comic, and I have been doing music in my comedy for the past few years, but I wanted to add the element of accompanying myself on guitar and banjo because I feel there is great power in that.

I don't really write music yet. I'm fortunate enough to have some of the greatest musicians in the world doing that part for me — I just write the lyrics and try to keep up.

Q: What genre are the tunes — guitar rock/pop or something else?

A: It's all over the place. There's some country in there and some hip-hop and even some electronica. I am also learning the mountain dulcimer.

Q: What topics are you drawn to in your comedy these days — politics, relationships, sex, pop culture?

A: I'd say all of the above and then some.

Q: What can the audience expect at the Asheville shows?

A: I don't even know myself! I'm trying out new things! Working without a set list, it's always good and always different.

Q: This is a workshop tour — what else do you plan to do with the material you're showcasing now?

A: It'll be in my new big show — whatever that will be.

Q: Now that you've added music, what's the final entertainment frontier for you?

A: I'm not sure! Maybe space!