Couple of shows. First Winston's. I need to figure out someway to make the end of the show a success. I knew going into the show it was going to be rough. We had an L.A. comic headline the show. These guys are going to bring no one. I had a few local people feature on the show, most brought barely anyone. I can't be upset with people, promoting sucks. I just need to figure out a way to get an audience in there. The show clearly needs to be shortened, but the manager wants to keep it 3 hours and that's how it's going to be. I may do what they used to do, say the show starts at 6, but really start at 630. Problem is we have so many comics, most of them pretty solid. I don't know what the answer is, it's all trial and error I guess. Had to deal with the comic I dealt with a few months back. Basically dude has a lot of credits, he is blind, feels he has the right to talk down to me and is entitled to time. I basically told him I felt he was trying to take advantage of our show, and he started yelling at me over the phone. I first asked him if he was 7, then told him he was never welcomed back to our club and wished him luck. I don't need negativity, I have enough stress with the show.
My set was lame, I can't even try jokes with a crowd that is just staring at you. I did a little crowd work but overall it was nothing to brag about. I did a newer joke that worked, so I'll take it as something. Earlier in the day the dude I run the show with told me some dude was stopping by. I kind of lost it and went off on him (in a nice way) via text. He is trying to get in at one of the comedy clubs and feels the need to do favors for these guys. Well no one is doing favors for me. People take our show for granted, they feel "hey I'm so funny, put me on I will improve your show." Wel I'm sorry we have enough funny people on our show. I'd take our 5 best people against bascially any 5 SD comics. As much as Winston's is tough we've all become better comics from it. Ok I'm rambling. Pretty much there are so many amazing San Diego comics, and most of them are not getting the prime stage time.
Well I did my first L.A. show. I almost didn't go, as I was expecting a girl I used to date that lives close to L.A. to go and bring some people. She messaged me saying that 10$ was a litle too pricey for her unemployed life. Awesome. I'm not even worth 10$. What the f word is wrong with you. I understand money is tight, but really you can't splurge and drop 30$ to support someones dreams, f u. Anyways I get there and the guy that booked me wasn't there. Kind of weird, he actually never showed up. I've never met him, nor has he ever seen me perform. I see the place and watch the show, and I learn quickly the show is basically an open mic. The spot was pretty spread out, but when I was hanging in the green room the laughs seemed pretty loud. I had a tough spot as I went up after a lady that brought a lot of people. My buddy had a really good set, I was proud. I get up there and struggled through the first couple minutes. I was told I was going to get 7 minutes. I dug a little hole for myself as the crowd hated me, but I started getting a little momentum, and they lit me. UMMMMMM ok I DROVE ALL THE WAY TO LA WITH 4 OTHER PEOPLE WHO PAID 10 BUCKS TO SEE 6 OTHER SHITTY FUCKING COMICS AND YOURE GOING TO GIVE ME 5 MINUTES. Fucking sweet. I was pissed. I'm still kind of upset. Don't fucking tell me I'm going to get 7 and light me at 4 esp. when I'm doing well. I didn't ask the dude why he lit me, it will still be a mystery. I really felt like I did bad, but one of my buddies that came said I did pretty ok. He's an honest dude so I'll take his word. Anyways, I texted the dude the set me up with the spot and he didn't even respond. If I don't hear from him in the next few days I'm going to be real pissed. If he fucked me and I dragged 4 people to L.A. so he can gain an extra 40$ I will lose a lot of faith in humanity.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Solid set.. wish I had more time
It's amazing how much faster time goes by when you're doing well on stage. On Wednesday things were rough and it felt like an eternity to stretch it to 7 minutes. Last night I did 8 minutes to the biggest crowd I've performed for, nearly 200. All of which have probably never seen me before nor did I know them. I didn't really know what jokes I was going to do when I got on stage but did my standard jokes that do well. I'm starting to feel like it's ok that I do that on occasion, esp. for crowds that have never seen me. I would still like to have a new 30 minutes from what I did last time if I headline Winston's again. I estimate I have about 12 or so right now. I'm hoping to have a new 30 by my birthday on June 24, and headline the show right around there.
Anyways my set went well. I still have the problem of stepping on the laughs. I just feel with so little time I need to pack in as many laughs as I can. But it's good to just let them laugh and then enjoy the next joke. I'll find my way.
The headliner guy was pretty good. You can tell he's been doing it awhile. He started with crowd work. I'd like to start doing that more, but when you're only given 8 to 10 minutes that makes it tough. Anyways I was talking to him before he went up. He has a lot of credits and has worked with Jaime Kennedy. He wasn't real happy with only doing 20 minutes and there being so many comics. He is used to do shows with 3, maybe 4 comics. Also the booker of the show told him there was only going to be 6 or so comics, and there ended up being about 12. I understand where he was coming from. The show went almost 2 1/2 hours and that's way too long. The crowd was pretty solid throughout, but still there was some comics that weren't really needed. There was one dude there that doesn't care much for my comedy, plus has always been kind of a douche to me, and he didn't do real well. Can't say a part of me wasn't happy to see that. He pretty much just left after his set. It all goes back to ego's. There just not needed. Like the headliner dude travels all over, and still invited us to hang out with him after. Granted he was wasted, but he definately seemed like a solid enough guy.
Anyways my set went well. I still have the problem of stepping on the laughs. I just feel with so little time I need to pack in as many laughs as I can. But it's good to just let them laugh and then enjoy the next joke. I'll find my way.
The headliner guy was pretty good. You can tell he's been doing it awhile. He started with crowd work. I'd like to start doing that more, but when you're only given 8 to 10 minutes that makes it tough. Anyways I was talking to him before he went up. He has a lot of credits and has worked with Jaime Kennedy. He wasn't real happy with only doing 20 minutes and there being so many comics. He is used to do shows with 3, maybe 4 comics. Also the booker of the show told him there was only going to be 6 or so comics, and there ended up being about 12. I understand where he was coming from. The show went almost 2 1/2 hours and that's way too long. The crowd was pretty solid throughout, but still there was some comics that weren't really needed. There was one dude there that doesn't care much for my comedy, plus has always been kind of a douche to me, and he didn't do real well. Can't say a part of me wasn't happy to see that. He pretty much just left after his set. It all goes back to ego's. There just not needed. Like the headliner dude travels all over, and still invited us to hang out with him after. Granted he was wasted, but he definately seemed like a solid enough guy.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
And boom goes the dynamite...
Whoa there was a lot of people at Winston's on Friday. There was 98 paying customers, plus 35 or so comics that were there. So over 125 people is pretty crazy. What sucked is barely any of them were enjoying the show, or even listening. Everyone thinks the later spots are better but that is not always the case. The show is long, getting a spot in the middle is much easier. The people I put at the end need to be able to adjust on the fly and work the crowd a little more. That isn't for everyone.
Anyways my set was subpar, can't be mad at myself. They were simply a sigh crowd. Even some of my best jokes that work almost all the time, drew "oh's" and awkward silence. There was a douche selling nachos that the whole crowd loved. He yelled out was of my buds punchlines and when the comic went back at him, the crowd all took the nachos man side. Silly silly Winston's crowd. I've been getting a lot of people to the shows with adding a lot of promoters, but I feel many of the audience members never have been to a show at a comedy club and don't realize it's ok to laugh.
My small take on promoting. I had two headliners this week, one dude brought a good amount of people and the other brought basically none. I was kind of shocked about this, as I figured it meant a little bit to her to headline. She said there was a family emergency which I understand, but to bring no one when you're on the poster is depressing. The reason I switched the format to local, not really headline people, is I figured they'd be happy to headline. They'd want to see them do more time, and make more money. Promoting is a bitch I know. But Winston's is one of the only places in town that comics have a chance to make some money. I'm noticing that some comics are saying yes to doing every show, and not looking at their calendars. You can't promote too many shows at once people. I try to limit myself to one promoted show a month. There are some people that have crazy promoting skills, but for the most part most of us can't consistently bring large amounts of people.
Promoting is a lot like being a salesman. But unlike being a salesman you can't really show off your product. 9 out of 10 times when I tell people to come to my shows they either say, "You're a comic, I've never heard you say anything funny," or "You're a comic, tell me a joke." No, comedy just doesn't work that way. If a doctor introduced himself to me I wouldnt ask him to perform surgury on me. Just check out the show, what the hell else are you gonna do? It does get draining. There is talk there is another club that is going to reopen. Now it sounds like a good idea, but I imagine the collective comic community is tired of promoting, esp. for free. At some point these clubs are going to have to kick us a few bucks. I don't care if it's 20$. I realize there will always be a schmuck that will tell jokes for free and keep bringing people. But I think there is going to continue to be comics that are going to try to organize there own shows. Whether they last or not is unknown. While laughter may be the best medicine, money still pays the bills.
Anyways my set was subpar, can't be mad at myself. They were simply a sigh crowd. Even some of my best jokes that work almost all the time, drew "oh's" and awkward silence. There was a douche selling nachos that the whole crowd loved. He yelled out was of my buds punchlines and when the comic went back at him, the crowd all took the nachos man side. Silly silly Winston's crowd. I've been getting a lot of people to the shows with adding a lot of promoters, but I feel many of the audience members never have been to a show at a comedy club and don't realize it's ok to laugh.
My small take on promoting. I had two headliners this week, one dude brought a good amount of people and the other brought basically none. I was kind of shocked about this, as I figured it meant a little bit to her to headline. She said there was a family emergency which I understand, but to bring no one when you're on the poster is depressing. The reason I switched the format to local, not really headline people, is I figured they'd be happy to headline. They'd want to see them do more time, and make more money. Promoting is a bitch I know. But Winston's is one of the only places in town that comics have a chance to make some money. I'm noticing that some comics are saying yes to doing every show, and not looking at their calendars. You can't promote too many shows at once people. I try to limit myself to one promoted show a month. There are some people that have crazy promoting skills, but for the most part most of us can't consistently bring large amounts of people.
Promoting is a lot like being a salesman. But unlike being a salesman you can't really show off your product. 9 out of 10 times when I tell people to come to my shows they either say, "You're a comic, I've never heard you say anything funny," or "You're a comic, tell me a joke." No, comedy just doesn't work that way. If a doctor introduced himself to me I wouldnt ask him to perform surgury on me. Just check out the show, what the hell else are you gonna do? It does get draining. There is talk there is another club that is going to reopen. Now it sounds like a good idea, but I imagine the collective comic community is tired of promoting, esp. for free. At some point these clubs are going to have to kick us a few bucks. I don't care if it's 20$. I realize there will always be a schmuck that will tell jokes for free and keep bringing people. But I think there is going to continue to be comics that are going to try to organize there own shows. Whether they last or not is unknown. While laughter may be the best medicine, money still pays the bills.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Why not to have an ego 101
I hate to make another poker= comedy reference but it happens so often. So Monday I had a great set, and got first in the contest. WHOO frickin whoo. No ones knocking at my door to sign me or give me a comedy central special. I'm still an open mic comic. I went out and told jokes infront of a crowd of other comics the next night. You have to love to tell jokes to really make it in comedy. There will be good nights and bad. Monday good, Tuesday sub par, Wednesday awful. Before I get into the days I'll talk about why I'm making the comparison.
I've won tournaments of 12500$, won 2500$ in a night playing blackjack, multiple days of winning over a grand playing poker. Did I celebrate, no? Did I blow the money on some crazy hobby or vakay, nope. I went into work and acted like nothing happened. You know why, because I've had days where I've lost 4000$, many many days of playing drunk poker and losing 500$. Gone on streaks of losing every hand playing blackjack, with losses upwards of 1000$. Like poker, if I have a good set I don't go around telling everyone I'm the man. Saying I'm above open mics, no I won't do that show, those comics arn't at my level. When I sit down at a poker table I always think I have an edge, think I'm one of the best at the table. But I don't go around telling people. Same thing with comedy, every show I do I think I'm one of the most talented, but there's no reason for me to tell everyone that. I worked really hard to become a good poker player, and I work really hard at comedy. I don't write quite as much as I used to, but to think I have an hour of jokes I can rotate in is an accomplishment.
Well Tuesdays show. Started off kind of flattering. There was a younger comic, who I was aware of but never really spoken to. He's 18, but has been doing comedy for a few years I've heard. I have a lot of respect for that, I've said multiple times I started writing real young but had no outlet in Maine to perform. Still I could have started 3 plus years ago when I moved to San Diego. Anyways he approached me, he almost seemed nervous. He said something to the affect, "I've seen your jokes, think you're funny. Would you mind watching my set and giving me some pointers." He also invited me to do a show with him. He did ask about performing at Winston's. Whether he was just trying to get time, or just being an overall good guy, I'm not sure. But he seemed genuine enough I'll take the compliment.
Well the joke portion on Tuesday. There's always this false sence of excitement when driving to the open mic at the Palace. I get there and see about 30 cars, I get inside and realize it's 30 comics who all drove separately. Like I said I'm not above telling jokes in this environment I'm just not that sure how useful it is. I think it's good to voice joke ideas, but as far as saying them in the tone and set up I would at a normal show I just don't think it works. It's almost better to appear unpolished and that's how I try to deliver them.
As far as Wednesday's show....gross. It was a clean show. I have no problem telling clean jokes, I started off that way. The crowd really had no energy and was a church group. To be honest I don't think they would have minded if they was cursing. The jokes they laughed at the most were the ones that were a little edgy. I went up there and tried to get them somewhat excited. They weren't haveing it. I stumbled my words as few times cuz I told some jokes I rarely tell. I guess they couldn't relate to my jokes or maybe I simply wasn't funny. I told my intervention joke and some girls just started talking. I asked them to be quit talking, they said something back, I said do you want a hug, her response, "you better not I have pepper spray." Not said in a funny joking way, dead serious. This would be a time where I'd like to attack, but I can't cuz it's a clean show. I then say, I've never been threatened to be peppered sprayed...on stage anyways, and some lady goes, "first time for everything." Awesome. I went on to tell some more terrible jokes, starting talking about loving jesus and St. Patty's day being Jesus's favorite holiday and got off the stage a minute before my time was up.
Ok rambling over. I will take it as a cool thing that I performed at the Palace 3 times this week and did different jokes every time.
I've won tournaments of 12500$, won 2500$ in a night playing blackjack, multiple days of winning over a grand playing poker. Did I celebrate, no? Did I blow the money on some crazy hobby or vakay, nope. I went into work and acted like nothing happened. You know why, because I've had days where I've lost 4000$, many many days of playing drunk poker and losing 500$. Gone on streaks of losing every hand playing blackjack, with losses upwards of 1000$. Like poker, if I have a good set I don't go around telling everyone I'm the man. Saying I'm above open mics, no I won't do that show, those comics arn't at my level. When I sit down at a poker table I always think I have an edge, think I'm one of the best at the table. But I don't go around telling people. Same thing with comedy, every show I do I think I'm one of the most talented, but there's no reason for me to tell everyone that. I worked really hard to become a good poker player, and I work really hard at comedy. I don't write quite as much as I used to, but to think I have an hour of jokes I can rotate in is an accomplishment.
Well Tuesdays show. Started off kind of flattering. There was a younger comic, who I was aware of but never really spoken to. He's 18, but has been doing comedy for a few years I've heard. I have a lot of respect for that, I've said multiple times I started writing real young but had no outlet in Maine to perform. Still I could have started 3 plus years ago when I moved to San Diego. Anyways he approached me, he almost seemed nervous. He said something to the affect, "I've seen your jokes, think you're funny. Would you mind watching my set and giving me some pointers." He also invited me to do a show with him. He did ask about performing at Winston's. Whether he was just trying to get time, or just being an overall good guy, I'm not sure. But he seemed genuine enough I'll take the compliment.
Well the joke portion on Tuesday. There's always this false sence of excitement when driving to the open mic at the Palace. I get there and see about 30 cars, I get inside and realize it's 30 comics who all drove separately. Like I said I'm not above telling jokes in this environment I'm just not that sure how useful it is. I think it's good to voice joke ideas, but as far as saying them in the tone and set up I would at a normal show I just don't think it works. It's almost better to appear unpolished and that's how I try to deliver them.
As far as Wednesday's show....gross. It was a clean show. I have no problem telling clean jokes, I started off that way. The crowd really had no energy and was a church group. To be honest I don't think they would have minded if they was cursing. The jokes they laughed at the most were the ones that were a little edgy. I went up there and tried to get them somewhat excited. They weren't haveing it. I stumbled my words as few times cuz I told some jokes I rarely tell. I guess they couldn't relate to my jokes or maybe I simply wasn't funny. I told my intervention joke and some girls just started talking. I asked them to be quit talking, they said something back, I said do you want a hug, her response, "you better not I have pepper spray." Not said in a funny joking way, dead serious. This would be a time where I'd like to attack, but I can't cuz it's a clean show. I then say, I've never been threatened to be peppered sprayed...on stage anyways, and some lady goes, "first time for everything." Awesome. I went on to tell some more terrible jokes, starting talking about loving jesus and St. Patty's day being Jesus's favorite holiday and got off the stage a minute before my time was up.
Ok rambling over. I will take it as a cool thing that I performed at the Palace 3 times this week and did different jokes every time.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Fuck comedy politics....
Seriously getting so tired of the politics of comedy. I've never been the suck up type. I don't like guys for the most part. I can't stand arrogance. That's all you see and feel in a comedy club filled with "comics."
I tried to get on the alternates list for the Comedy Store tonight. Welp the dude that picked me up was late and I was last on the list. I didn't get on. So crazy I did 20 minutes out front of people that hated me and made 1000$ a week ago, and now I can't even get 3 fucking minutes.
After the open mic is San Diego's best show. Use best very loosely. The guy that opens the show is the same dude every week, same fricking jokes. He actaully stole a joke that Carlos Mencia stole from Ari Shaffear (sp?). All the guys on the show arn't really that funny. I found out as I was leaving that a comic that started about 6 months after me will be joining the staff. He's a funny guy, but he hasn't been doing it as long as me nor is he better than me. But he sucks up and is there every night. Clearly he's more dedicated than me. Is being funny ever going to mean anything? Honestly. I know I'm not the funniest comic, but given the right opportunity I will be solid.
I'm way too nice at Winston's. I always give people time. I even gave up my own time the other night so a new comic could tell jokes. I'm going to start being a sleezy dick from now on. I guess you have to be a person that only cares about themselves to make it in comedy.
I tried to get on the alternates list for the Comedy Store tonight. Welp the dude that picked me up was late and I was last on the list. I didn't get on. So crazy I did 20 minutes out front of people that hated me and made 1000$ a week ago, and now I can't even get 3 fucking minutes.
After the open mic is San Diego's best show. Use best very loosely. The guy that opens the show is the same dude every week, same fricking jokes. He actaully stole a joke that Carlos Mencia stole from Ari Shaffear (sp?). All the guys on the show arn't really that funny. I found out as I was leaving that a comic that started about 6 months after me will be joining the staff. He's a funny guy, but he hasn't been doing it as long as me nor is he better than me. But he sucks up and is there every night. Clearly he's more dedicated than me. Is being funny ever going to mean anything? Honestly. I know I'm not the funniest comic, but given the right opportunity I will be solid.
I'm way too nice at Winston's. I always give people time. I even gave up my own time the other night so a new comic could tell jokes. I'm going to start being a sleezy dick from now on. I guess you have to be a person that only cares about themselves to make it in comedy.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Little Better at Winston's
Did pretty well last night. Didn't really tell that many jokes, mostly crowd work. I tried a new jokes, and a joke I haven't done in awhile. They both did pretty ok. Every week is a struggle at Winston's. I really think we need to cut the show down to 2 hours. I like being able to give everyone time, but the show is suffering. The San Diego comedy scene is almost getting too full. There are so many places to perform but for the most part all the shows are either bringer or crap. I really can't promote anymore. I've just got burnt out with it. It's like being a salesman. You can only take rejection so many times. It's frustrating that some of my friends and coworkers haven't even been to one of my shows. Kind of discouraging.
I guess I can start hanging outside the Comedy Store to show my dedication to comeedy, but honestly I'm not dedicated enough to do that. I was definately a bigger fan of stand up before I started. But like many things, it's no longer a hobby, it's more a job. The grind of telling jokes for no money or thanks is draining. Gotta keep plugging away I guess...
Jokes: How are you, names, directions, can i be honest, intervention, one thing led to another, oregon trail, home depot, nintendo, tony the tiger
I guess I can start hanging outside the Comedy Store to show my dedication to comeedy, but honestly I'm not dedicated enough to do that. I was definately a bigger fan of stand up before I started. But like many things, it's no longer a hobby, it's more a job. The grind of telling jokes for no money or thanks is draining. Gotta keep plugging away I guess...
Jokes: How are you, names, directions, can i be honest, intervention, one thing led to another, oregon trail, home depot, nintendo, tony the tiger
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Ouch...
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will crush your soul. So had a show when we got off the plane last night. Going in I was pretty sure it was going to be rough. Getting there I knew it was going to be awful. I had done comedy there before. It is just not set up for comedy. It's much too large and the lighting is terrible.
I went up second and basically winged it. I had no set planned or set list. Just went up there and tried to be funny. I did ok considering the circumstances. When you're on stage and are able to see the crowd, all your eyes pick up is the people not laughing. It's good to make a few people chuckle, but last night there was a 60 year old lady just staring down the comics. Not a smile, a smurk, nothing. She was so out of place, but she was there for the blues band after. It interests me how some people can hate comedy so much. I admit I rarely laugh, and that is why I either sit in the back or go outside. We all told our jokes and got the f out of there. One dude said we did well and that's all I can ask for.
Well onto the title of the post. I knew I didn't do that well at the college show. My dad said after, "what was wrong with you." When I asked my sister about the show she said, "we've had worse." Clearly I know I stumbled over my words and was kind of nervous. Smaller crowds that aren't very receptive make me more nervous then doing big crowds. With me doing new jokes and different jokes so often I am not comfortabble with a lot of my material. Since I was young I kind of had trouble flubbing up my words. My brain is always working so on occasion I'll combine two words at once and I'll sound like a moron. I did this a few times at NEC, I even screwed up one of my staple jokes at the Gold Room. Anyways. Some girl posted on Billy's wall that he was the best. It doesn't really bother me, he will always do better than me with a dumb crowd. Not a shot at him, we simply have a different style of jokes. Anyways, I reply to the post saying, "A little of me died inside." Totally joking, she responds, "Sorry, you couldn't even talk, too many drinks." Well considering I had 2 beers, that was not the case. She doesn't understand the mind of a comic and how much that truly hurt. Also my sister tells me there's some kind of controvery about our show, someone recorded the show, and they feel they need to screen comics better. I'd like to get to the bottom of it, and figure what that is about. Anyways, not really feeling that great about comedy at the moment. Sad as I should feel accomplished with what we did, but it's the total opposite.
I went up second and basically winged it. I had no set planned or set list. Just went up there and tried to be funny. I did ok considering the circumstances. When you're on stage and are able to see the crowd, all your eyes pick up is the people not laughing. It's good to make a few people chuckle, but last night there was a 60 year old lady just staring down the comics. Not a smile, a smurk, nothing. She was so out of place, but she was there for the blues band after. It interests me how some people can hate comedy so much. I admit I rarely laugh, and that is why I either sit in the back or go outside. We all told our jokes and got the f out of there. One dude said we did well and that's all I can ask for.
Well onto the title of the post. I knew I didn't do that well at the college show. My dad said after, "what was wrong with you." When I asked my sister about the show she said, "we've had worse." Clearly I know I stumbled over my words and was kind of nervous. Smaller crowds that aren't very receptive make me more nervous then doing big crowds. With me doing new jokes and different jokes so often I am not comfortabble with a lot of my material. Since I was young I kind of had trouble flubbing up my words. My brain is always working so on occasion I'll combine two words at once and I'll sound like a moron. I did this a few times at NEC, I even screwed up one of my staple jokes at the Gold Room. Anyways. Some girl posted on Billy's wall that he was the best. It doesn't really bother me, he will always do better than me with a dumb crowd. Not a shot at him, we simply have a different style of jokes. Anyways, I reply to the post saying, "A little of me died inside." Totally joking, she responds, "Sorry, you couldn't even talk, too many drinks." Well considering I had 2 beers, that was not the case. She doesn't understand the mind of a comic and how much that truly hurt. Also my sister tells me there's some kind of controvery about our show, someone recorded the show, and they feel they need to screen comics better. I'd like to get to the bottom of it, and figure what that is about. Anyways, not really feeling that great about comedy at the moment. Sad as I should feel accomplished with what we did, but it's the total opposite.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tour complete
Well the tour is over. I am now sitting on a plane reflecting it all. I’m actually sitting next to a bitter old women that didn’t want the complimentary drink or snacks. I asked if she could get it and give it to me, which she replied, “No thanks.” She also has her sandles off and her disgusting snaggle toes are resting on the wall. There should be a law against exposed feet. I’d much rather legalize topless women at beaches and ban old broads from being able to show off their nasty vainey toes. Every peanut I ate tasted like I was eating her toes nails.
Anyways the tour. Last night was rough. It was the first time I really found myself sweating on stage and stretching for laughs. I had planned to do 30, but once I got to the venue I didn’t plan to do much more than 20. I ended up doing closer to 18. The place was really small, and not really a good spot for comedy. The kids were listening but it was tough to get them to laugh. A lot of them were there just so they got credit for attending the event. 4 people in the back actually said “Finally we can get out of this shit hole.”
It was basically like telling jokes in a classroom as these kids never have been to a comedy club. Basic things like, “how are you feeling tonight,” “we’re good thank you sir.” No applause or cheering. They really had no energy. All the lights were on and you can see all the faces not laughing. I had forgot my camera at the hotel room. At first I was sad, but once I got there I knew I wouldn’t have gotten much of a tape anyways.
About half way through my set I gave up on the set material and tried to do crowd work. This worked out much better. I need to do this more often. I just figured with getting paid so much I should bring the jokes. At the end of the day my job is to entertain. I need to be able to adjust on the fly. I’ll give that set a C-.
I would definitely rate the tour a success. It was great getting to know the guys on a different level. I’m anxious to see how this will affect our friendships moving forward. There is talk of doing a show in Texas, and working on recording a professional tape to pass out to colleges and clubs. I think we all approach comedy different, but we have a connection now. Comedy has to be taken one step at a time, and I think this trip was a step in the right direction.
Anyways the tour. Last night was rough. It was the first time I really found myself sweating on stage and stretching for laughs. I had planned to do 30, but once I got to the venue I didn’t plan to do much more than 20. I ended up doing closer to 18. The place was really small, and not really a good spot for comedy. The kids were listening but it was tough to get them to laugh. A lot of them were there just so they got credit for attending the event. 4 people in the back actually said “Finally we can get out of this shit hole.”
It was basically like telling jokes in a classroom as these kids never have been to a comedy club. Basic things like, “how are you feeling tonight,” “we’re good thank you sir.” No applause or cheering. They really had no energy. All the lights were on and you can see all the faces not laughing. I had forgot my camera at the hotel room. At first I was sad, but once I got there I knew I wouldn’t have gotten much of a tape anyways.
About half way through my set I gave up on the set material and tried to do crowd work. This worked out much better. I need to do this more often. I just figured with getting paid so much I should bring the jokes. At the end of the day my job is to entertain. I need to be able to adjust on the fly. I’ll give that set a C-.
I would definitely rate the tour a success. It was great getting to know the guys on a different level. I’m anxious to see how this will affect our friendships moving forward. There is talk of doing a show in Texas, and working on recording a professional tape to pass out to colleges and clubs. I think we all approach comedy different, but we have a connection now. Comedy has to be taken one step at a time, and I think this trip was a step in the right direction.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Gold Room Complete yo!!
Amazing turn out. There was a good amount of people from my family that showed up. A lot were the family members that chat with my mom but I've had maybe 5 convo's with them, and how are you is the main focus of the convo. I was happy they all came. I was kind of disappointed the fraternity didn't promote a little more. They had an opportunity to make a good amount of money but didn't bring anyone. I comped them all so they didn't pay anything but they could have made more.
I was stressing a little bit before the show. I don't like having the pressure of having to pay people and figure out who deserves what. The guy from Maine was pretty solid. Don't think he promoted at all but I kicked him a little money. I gave the fraternity a little bit, and then gave the guys money. I left a little for myself. Not much considering I had to reserve the room for 250$ and pay the door guy. My buddy ran the bar, and did do me a favor on letting me put on the show.
As far as my set. Stumbled a bit, even stumbled on my nintendo joke which should be one of my staple jokes. Started losing my voice at the end. May have drank a bit too much, combined with the stress of the show affected me a little bit. I felt like I was going to fall down at one point. I planned to do 30, ended up only doing around 24ish. I definately have a lot to work on to be a national headliner. My pacing and timing needs to be improved. I should start working on doing tighter sets, but I enjoy doing different jokes. At some point I do need to be able to memorize my jokes. I don't know. I'd give my set a B.
Here our the videos...
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Jokes: Maine "the way life should be", storm center, how are you, names, directions, can i be honest, intervention, tgif, theme songs, geico, free credit report, nintendo, oregon trail, field trips, young lies, dr. lies, planned parenthood, hand jobs, gf lies, speed dating, not tough/ black women, gf cheered sex, anger book, facebook, spell check, google, typewriters, needle in a haystack, herpes comm, cialis, smokey the bear, cigarettes, home depot, soap in mouth, getting older, variety packs, pretzels, 100 % american
I was stressing a little bit before the show. I don't like having the pressure of having to pay people and figure out who deserves what. The guy from Maine was pretty solid. Don't think he promoted at all but I kicked him a little money. I gave the fraternity a little bit, and then gave the guys money. I left a little for myself. Not much considering I had to reserve the room for 250$ and pay the door guy. My buddy ran the bar, and did do me a favor on letting me put on the show.
As far as my set. Stumbled a bit, even stumbled on my nintendo joke which should be one of my staple jokes. Started losing my voice at the end. May have drank a bit too much, combined with the stress of the show affected me a little bit. I felt like I was going to fall down at one point. I planned to do 30, ended up only doing around 24ish. I definately have a lot to work on to be a national headliner. My pacing and timing needs to be improved. I should start working on doing tighter sets, but I enjoy doing different jokes. At some point I do need to be able to memorize my jokes. I don't know. I'd give my set a B.
Here our the videos...
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Jokes: Maine "the way life should be", storm center, how are you, names, directions, can i be honest, intervention, tgif, theme songs, geico, free credit report, nintendo, oregon trail, field trips, young lies, dr. lies, planned parenthood, hand jobs, gf lies, speed dating, not tough/ black women, gf cheered sex, anger book, facebook, spell check, google, typewriters, needle in a haystack, herpes comm, cialis, smokey the bear, cigarettes, home depot, soap in mouth, getting older, variety packs, pretzels, 100 % american
Friday, March 5, 2010
Slainte show in the books
So wrapped the first Maine show last night. It was a strange experience. We checked it out before hand and it was small. Small doesn't really describe it. There were 3couches and about 7 random chairs. There was no stage. It was basically like doing jokes in a living room. I wasn't really sure how it was going to go. Christian went up first and opened the show well. The next guy up was a guy I was referred to from another Maine comic. I didn't really watch him that much but from what I heard he wasn't that great. Billy went next and did pretty well. I closed the show. It was awkward. I basically just looked over everyone as it was too intimate to make eye contact with individual people. I did ok. Not every joke hit real hard but some did. Nothing did awful. I made it through with doing jokes that I will not do on Saturday. I did jokes that I don't really don't think were very strong. I did about 15 minutes which I think is solid considering I'm doing a different 30 on Saturday.
Jokes: Maine: the way life should be, auto car starters, storm center, made bball team, costly booze, booze's farm, 3 yrs single, self porn, gf whiore, pulling out, condoms, old vage, chubby chaser, surgeon general, smelling things
Jokes: Maine: the way life should be, auto car starters, storm center, made bball team, costly booze, booze's farm, 3 yrs single, self porn, gf whiore, pulling out, condoms, old vage, chubby chaser, surgeon general, smelling things
Monday, March 1, 2010
Couple of shows, now on the east coast
So I made it on the Comedy Store open mic list. It's only 3 minutes, not really sure why I keep going. I had my lady friend pick me up. She was 15 minutes late and kind of drunk. I wasn't pleased. She had 2 other friends with her. I knew it was going to look terrible if I rolled in with 3 pretty intoxicated people who didn't want to buy any of their overpriced drinks and were going to leave after I was done. I suggested they do to a bar down the road until I was done.
I got on stage and worked on some newer jokes. I ususally do my jokes when I go there, but I felt like trying some new stuff. I did pretty ok. There was one comic that did really well. It was mostly "hackish" jokes, i.e. killer whales shouldn't be messed with they have killer in their name. He had a unique take on it, and the crowd ate it up so I had to give him props.
After I was done, I headed out to the next place. It's basically a rival of the other place so I couldn't even advertise where I was going. I got to the Palace right when the show started. I went up 3rd. The guy before me is still pretty new, and his jokes are pretty vulgar. Kind of typical, not genuinely funny person but wants to give comedy a try type comic. He's a nice guy, but you just hear people and realize comedy isn't for them. Welp I got up there and tried to ease the room a bit. It didn't go over too well. Crowd was kind of tight. I went into some newer stuff then went into some of my solid material. I pretty much winged it. I got the light, and it didn't feel like I was up there very long. Either they lit me early or I was doing really well. Time goes by so much faster when you're doing well. The guy that lit me said I was funny, so I doubt he lit me early. I had to leave soon after. The dude I emailed about being on his show was there. I thought about talking to him, but at this point I don't care.
I got an email from a person who books shows in L.A. She was interested in giving me some time, in exchange for time at Winston's. I'm interested to find out what places she actually books. Anyways, I'm in Maine, it's cold. I went to the gym here and there were no ladies there. There was like 2. It's so crazy how many women are in S.D. I'm excited for the other guys to come in. Should be fun.
I got on stage and worked on some newer jokes. I ususally do my jokes when I go there, but I felt like trying some new stuff. I did pretty ok. There was one comic that did really well. It was mostly "hackish" jokes, i.e. killer whales shouldn't be messed with they have killer in their name. He had a unique take on it, and the crowd ate it up so I had to give him props.
After I was done, I headed out to the next place. It's basically a rival of the other place so I couldn't even advertise where I was going. I got to the Palace right when the show started. I went up 3rd. The guy before me is still pretty new, and his jokes are pretty vulgar. Kind of typical, not genuinely funny person but wants to give comedy a try type comic. He's a nice guy, but you just hear people and realize comedy isn't for them. Welp I got up there and tried to ease the room a bit. It didn't go over too well. Crowd was kind of tight. I went into some newer stuff then went into some of my solid material. I pretty much winged it. I got the light, and it didn't feel like I was up there very long. Either they lit me early or I was doing really well. Time goes by so much faster when you're doing well. The guy that lit me said I was funny, so I doubt he lit me early. I had to leave soon after. The dude I emailed about being on his show was there. I thought about talking to him, but at this point I don't care.
I got an email from a person who books shows in L.A. She was interested in giving me some time, in exchange for time at Winston's. I'm interested to find out what places she actually books. Anyways, I'm in Maine, it's cold. I went to the gym here and there were no ladies there. There was like 2. It's so crazy how many women are in S.D. I'm excited for the other guys to come in. Should be fun.
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