Speaking with Sandra Bernhard

She’s shared the big screen with Robert De Niro, made waves with Madonna, and been called a "true original” by The New York Times. On Saturday, she’ll perform her show, "I Love Being Me, Don't You," at Landmark on Main Street.

Of course, Landmark is no Caroline’s Comedy Club, where Bernhard has been a regular. But she seeemed happy to hear about the intimate Port Washington theater, where locals aren’t surprised to run into people they know and like in town.

“That’s fun,” she said. “I do like a theater or club where people are near and I can connect with them.”

The show itself, Bernhard said, is “my take on the world through my filter.”

There’s a mix of music, politics and parenting, said Bernhard, the mother of a teenage daughter whom the artist said “is a really cool kid.”

As for the music – Bernhard has been touring with a highly praised three-piece band – she said, “Some of the monologue weaves into songs and some of the songs just stand on their own and are connected to the piece. And some of the songs are songs that I like to do, they’re rock songs and rock anthems.”

And when it comes to politics – just check out her Twitter feed – Bernhard has never been shy. Asked about the presidential debates, Bernhard said, “I feel like it’s ineffectual. Rachel Maddow said it immediately [after the first debate]. She said it’s the death of the debate format. I think that with the advent of social media, there’s a debate going on every day and the debate is between the American people. It’s between politicians. It’s between social commentators and pundits and ‘experts’ in the political realm.” Ultimately, she said, televised debates as we know them will be phased out.

So, what’s next for Bernhard?

Just last week she was in Los Angeles, pitching a new show – “a throwback variety/party show,” she said – and more acting roles. 

Meanwhile, Bernhard recently launched a YouTube show, “Comedians Walking & Getting Mani-Pedis.” The first one featured Lizz Winstead, co-creator of “The Daily Show,” the other with actress Rosie Perez. 

Sandra Bernhard performs at Landmark on Main Street Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets $45-$55. Get ticket information.