cocky1
adj cockier, cockiest
excessively proud of oneself
cock·y (kk)
adj. cock·i·er, cock·i·est
Overly self-assertive or self-confident.
Seems I'm titling a lot of my blogs with questions. So a comic I often joke with asked me if I'm serious when I say, "You think you're better than me." The answer like the question is tough. Do I think I'm more talented than many comics, yes. Do I walk around, ignoring people, thinking I'm "better than you," I'd hope I don't. Since I was 14 years old I wanted to be a comic. I had no idea what that meant, but I knew I wanted to entertain, and be in movies, etc. I don't do comedy for fun, I do it to one day make it my life. If I didn't think I was better than many of the people, I wouldn't waste my time. You have to think your the best otherwise what's the point. When I play poker I always think I'm the best at the table. I guess by the definitions of cocky above I wouldn't say I'm cocky. I'm certainly not proud of myself, nor am I overly self-assertive. I would say I am self-confident, but if you're not, you'll never make it as a comic. You have to get on stage and make strangers laugh. Many people say they like to laugh but most rarely do. Laughter is somewhat a sign of weakness. Your words are more entertaining then their own thoughts. I don't think I'm better than anyone, and give many opportunities to new comedians. But I do think if one is to take comedy or anything seriously for that matter you have to at least want to be the best.
I can't say I completely love doing comedy. I enjoy it, but I am very competitive and it's one of the few things in life no matter how hard I work the results are out of my hands. I can craft a joke for hours, even days, but if a crowd doesn't laugh it's probably not funny. I could kill every night, but there is very little chance that comedy central's going to be calling me at the end of the week. Comedy takes time. A comic asked me to do a show this week, I of course said yes. He then something to the affect of we'll be happy to have you there telling jokes, being miserable. He wasn't being mean, but it was just funny that I give off a miserable vibe.
Winston's was Winston's. One person brought most of the crowd, and they were a tough sell. I did a mixture of old jokes and some brand new stuff. The new stuff went pretty ok. One joke is long, and a work in progress. It's tough to work out jokes at Winston's as the response is so scattered. I got a little feedback from some comics, mostly positive, so that's a plus. After the show I hung out with some of the comics. The thing about comics is most of the time all we talk about is comedy. I get annoyed, but for the most part it's all we have in common. One reason I don't enjoy talking about it is as for the most part it's talking poorly behind people's backs. I realize that's a part of life, but against popular belief I'm not a mean person. I'll make jokes about other comics, but really have nothing against anyone. I don't like how many people act or carry themselves but can't control everyone.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Long set, fun times
So it had been awhile since I did a long set at a comedy club. It was fun. I did a mixture of old and new jokes. I refered back to my set list a few times, but feel comfortable I could have done 15 without it. I have a couple new jokes that I wanted to do but was somewhat afraid to do them as I was doing pretty well. There were a few jokes that didn't hit but overall I liked how it went. The laughs sounded louder on stage than they sounded on the camera, but I've noticed that before.
I finally heard back about the block party show and it's this weekend. I'm looking forward to it, but I hear it might rain which would blow. I asked one of my comedy buds, and instead of being excited he kind of wants to back out. I'd like to ask one more person but I really don't know who to ask. i have a few people in mind but it's going to take a special kind of comic to do this show as I imagine it won't be easy. I somewhat asked one guy and he turned it down. I have a few other people in mind but I'm so jaded about comedy at this point I don't even want to offer anyone else opportunities. I'll think about it.
Life stuff. I had an interview for a job today. But after a half hour of chatting with her I realized it was a little too involved than I wanted. I told her I don't think it was going to work and headed north to play a poker tournament. I liked the way I play and of course got screwed to get knocked out after 3 hours of solid play. I'm really hoping this downswing ends soon as it's taking a toll out of me.
The poker girl returned my email saying she didn't think I was excited enough and wasn't doing enough. She said she'll send my $50 but is swamped at the moment. Ya sending a check takes so long. Whatever.
Here's the video from the other night.
I finally heard back about the block party show and it's this weekend. I'm looking forward to it, but I hear it might rain which would blow. I asked one of my comedy buds, and instead of being excited he kind of wants to back out. I'd like to ask one more person but I really don't know who to ask. i have a few people in mind but it's going to take a special kind of comic to do this show as I imagine it won't be easy. I somewhat asked one guy and he turned it down. I have a few other people in mind but I'm so jaded about comedy at this point I don't even want to offer anyone else opportunities. I'll think about it.
Life stuff. I had an interview for a job today. But after a half hour of chatting with her I realized it was a little too involved than I wanted. I told her I don't think it was going to work and headed north to play a poker tournament. I liked the way I play and of course got screwed to get knocked out after 3 hours of solid play. I'm really hoping this downswing ends soon as it's taking a toll out of me.
The poker girl returned my email saying she didn't think I was excited enough and wasn't doing enough. She said she'll send my $50 but is swamped at the moment. Ya sending a check takes so long. Whatever.
Here's the video from the other night.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Did I peak in San Diego?
Had a few shows, nothing huge worth noting. Friday at Winston's was somewhat busy. Had a dude that is nowhere ready to be up late promote the show. I think he brought a decent amount of people, but I wasn't even sure he was gonna make it. It was around 755 when he finally got there, saying "Did I miss it?" In retrospect I should have said yes as he got up there paced like a manaic and even made reference to the fact the only reason I put him up late is because he can bring people. I wish I had that luxury. There was a dude that went up earlier in the night that once again made a comment about me. Something to the affect of, "Give it up for your host Jeff, let him know, cause let's be honest Winston's is the only thing he has." I know he's attempting to joke, but it's just so out of left field. I mess with people a lot, and hope I don't come off so douchey. I just wonder what causes him to say things like that other than insecurities, but if he wants to dig himself a hole be my guest.
Had a couple guys come down from L.A. I'm trying to make connections up there as I'd like to make it up there eventually. Both of them said they'd send me some contact lists, neither came through. 2 of the 3 did thank me the next day for the time, but thank you's arn't helping me get anywhere. Chatted it up with one of the dudes who seems to get up almost every day. It appears comedy is his only gig, claiming most gigs pay him a little money, 20-40$. It would be nice to make some money here and there. Even $10.
My set was eh. I've actually been writing a lot and had a few new jokes I tried out. Both eh, but one I think can be reworked to be pretty good. I wrote it out last night and may try it tonight crowd dependant. I had a friend in town checking out the show and seeing me for the first time. It was a standard Winston's crowd, talkative and random laughing but all I can hear is the talking. A lot of times I was just watching his face and reactions. He's pretty political now so my little ha ha's arn't much for his intellectual mind. He actual loved an older comic that talks about Bin Laden and hating America, go figure.
Last night I did a couple open mics. Started my set by saying, "I'm Jeff Bilodeau and I'm here to save the show." It was playful and went over well. I wanted to try the new jokes, but the crowd was pretty tight and unresponsive so I didn't want to try it and see it fail. So I did some older jokes, and even they did hit huge but there was maybe 15 people there. When I was walking to my car after I saw a guy looking at me a few times, then he said "good set man." Like I've said before those things mean a lot. But the way I watched his body language he almost felt intimidated to say anything. That's really cool. I don't know what to do in those situations. I just said thanks man and kept walking. Should I shake his hand, hug him, kiss his girlfriend, who knows?
Next I returned to the Blarney Stone. Haven't been there in a few weeks, since the situation with the host. I'm pretty sure it's done, but the vibe seemed a little different there now. Not quite the fun, unpredicable spot it was before. Seemed more structured which is good and bad. I liked how before it felt like anything could happen, it was a good release after a stressful week of life and comedy. I felt a little weird, not sure if I can talk to people or not. Of course the stage Jeff showed up and right off the bat spoke to people. It was playful and nothing crazy. I did a 50/50 of jokes and crowd stuff. Mostly old jokes, didn't really take any chances. It was eh. I may have left a little before the light, but I got to the peak and got off. Thanked the host for the time, and asked him back to Winston's. I think he is a great guy, and solid comic so I'm hoping the misunderstanding is in the past. Ahhh, my quick judgement can cause problems.
Reason for the subject line. When I first started I felt I was getting put on a lot more shows. Maybe because a lot of my friends were the one's promoting but it seems like I've fell outside the loop of the promotional crowd. Whether it be I'm banned, or people have caught up to the fact I'm just not a great promoter. Maybe people don't think I'm funny, or think I truly am a dick. Who knows. There is a comic I see a lot of the same characteristics as myself. He's gotten pretty funny pretty quickly. He's getting on all the shows, even though he rarely plays kiss ass. I can't hate him for it. Maybe I need to reevaluate how I approach people. Not a fan of asking to be on shows, but whatever I'm doing now isn't working.
Well life stuff. Haven't played poker but did get fired from the poker show.... Kinda came out of nowhere as last week I felt too much pressure to bring excitement to the show now they want me off. No warning, just you're done. She called me the night before but I was at a show and couldn't answer. I texted her saying I had 5 minutes so said that would work. I called she didn't answer. I said the anticipation was killing me. She replied haha. Next day I get a cheerful call saying she decided I wasn't doing enough to be apart of the crew, but still wanted to be friends. I didn't question just said ok. She said she'd refund the $50 I PAID to be apart of the show. I texted her my address and asked her to not use me in any of the promos they used to send to potential sponsors. Not an unreasonable request I'd imagine. She said I was being unprofessional, and she'll keep the $50 for editing? Ok then pyscho. I emailed her later that night to ask for my money, no response. It's no real sweat as the show was terrible, but the principle of it all is not sitting well.
Had a couple guys come down from L.A. I'm trying to make connections up there as I'd like to make it up there eventually. Both of them said they'd send me some contact lists, neither came through. 2 of the 3 did thank me the next day for the time, but thank you's arn't helping me get anywhere. Chatted it up with one of the dudes who seems to get up almost every day. It appears comedy is his only gig, claiming most gigs pay him a little money, 20-40$. It would be nice to make some money here and there. Even $10.
My set was eh. I've actually been writing a lot and had a few new jokes I tried out. Both eh, but one I think can be reworked to be pretty good. I wrote it out last night and may try it tonight crowd dependant. I had a friend in town checking out the show and seeing me for the first time. It was a standard Winston's crowd, talkative and random laughing but all I can hear is the talking. A lot of times I was just watching his face and reactions. He's pretty political now so my little ha ha's arn't much for his intellectual mind. He actual loved an older comic that talks about Bin Laden and hating America, go figure.
Last night I did a couple open mics. Started my set by saying, "I'm Jeff Bilodeau and I'm here to save the show." It was playful and went over well. I wanted to try the new jokes, but the crowd was pretty tight and unresponsive so I didn't want to try it and see it fail. So I did some older jokes, and even they did hit huge but there was maybe 15 people there. When I was walking to my car after I saw a guy looking at me a few times, then he said "good set man." Like I've said before those things mean a lot. But the way I watched his body language he almost felt intimidated to say anything. That's really cool. I don't know what to do in those situations. I just said thanks man and kept walking. Should I shake his hand, hug him, kiss his girlfriend, who knows?
Next I returned to the Blarney Stone. Haven't been there in a few weeks, since the situation with the host. I'm pretty sure it's done, but the vibe seemed a little different there now. Not quite the fun, unpredicable spot it was before. Seemed more structured which is good and bad. I liked how before it felt like anything could happen, it was a good release after a stressful week of life and comedy. I felt a little weird, not sure if I can talk to people or not. Of course the stage Jeff showed up and right off the bat spoke to people. It was playful and nothing crazy. I did a 50/50 of jokes and crowd stuff. Mostly old jokes, didn't really take any chances. It was eh. I may have left a little before the light, but I got to the peak and got off. Thanked the host for the time, and asked him back to Winston's. I think he is a great guy, and solid comic so I'm hoping the misunderstanding is in the past. Ahhh, my quick judgement can cause problems.
Reason for the subject line. When I first started I felt I was getting put on a lot more shows. Maybe because a lot of my friends were the one's promoting but it seems like I've fell outside the loop of the promotional crowd. Whether it be I'm banned, or people have caught up to the fact I'm just not a great promoter. Maybe people don't think I'm funny, or think I truly am a dick. Who knows. There is a comic I see a lot of the same characteristics as myself. He's gotten pretty funny pretty quickly. He's getting on all the shows, even though he rarely plays kiss ass. I can't hate him for it. Maybe I need to reevaluate how I approach people. Not a fan of asking to be on shows, but whatever I'm doing now isn't working.
Well life stuff. Haven't played poker but did get fired from the poker show.... Kinda came out of nowhere as last week I felt too much pressure to bring excitement to the show now they want me off. No warning, just you're done. She called me the night before but I was at a show and couldn't answer. I texted her saying I had 5 minutes so said that would work. I called she didn't answer. I said the anticipation was killing me. She replied haha. Next day I get a cheerful call saying she decided I wasn't doing enough to be apart of the crew, but still wanted to be friends. I didn't question just said ok. She said she'd refund the $50 I PAID to be apart of the show. I texted her my address and asked her to not use me in any of the promos they used to send to potential sponsors. Not an unreasonable request I'd imagine. She said I was being unprofessional, and she'll keep the $50 for editing? Ok then pyscho. I emailed her later that night to ask for my money, no response. It's no real sweat as the show was terrible, but the principle of it all is not sitting well.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Lost money= lost liver
So I had one of the worst stretches in poker I've had in awhile. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I lost. Saturday I rebought which I usually never do but I lost kings to aces my 3rd hand and that's pretty crappy. I then got unlucky over and over again. I wanted to stab someone. Sunday I played online. I actually made all the money back that I lost, then went on crazy monkety tilt and found a way to lose all of that. It was really depressing. Everything had been going good, and then I have a nightmare couple days and question it all. I had a few days off mostly because I'm contemplating quitting the dept and poker was going so good why work there when I hate everyday going in and the customers make me question human nature. I proceeded to spend Monday just drinking like an animal. Monday mostly. I never wake up and drink but I just wanted to forget everything about the past weekend. Doubt it helped but it passed the time.
Tuesday I had a show. It was a a little bar show but I still like being asked to be on shows. It seems to happen so rarely now. With days off means searching facebook. Seems like the same people are getting on all the shows. I don't know what it is about me. I realize I'm not a huge promoter but I give people weekly stage time, and am somewhat funny. Literally nothing will come of being bitter or saying anything but honestly it's rediculous. I saw one poster and was shocked to say the least I wasn't asked to be on. Maybe it's the blog or the fact I don't hang out and kiss ass, but it's crazy how some people get on shows.
Well Tuesday show. First the lady friend met me there. It was pouring rain and a bar show so I kinda told her it won't be worth it. I don't want to tell her not to come as she'd take it meanly. So we get there and there's no on there. I decided maybe I'll check out the comedy Palace and come back. Well she already seemed annoyed then stepped in a puddle and just went home. Oh well. I wanted to do the palace as I've been actually writing a lot of new jokes. Could be the limiting of booze, other than Monday, or the fact I'm living with a comic. Its kinda cool living with someone that's your friend. It's been awhile since I've had that, but I somewhat get excited to go home and chat. Before I'd just come home late, go in my room, pound vodka, and pass out. Now were in the living room just talking thinking of jokes etc.
Anyways the show Tuesday was somewhat dead and I went up late but I think I got something out of it. Got some laughs and voiced some jokes. I have a joke I'm pretty excited about. I haven't tried it, but am working on it. It's about bees and it's got a lot of depths. Hopefully I'll try it out on Sunday at the Comedy Store. Welp Winston's tomorow, I'm hoping for a decent turn out.
Tuesday I had a show. It was a a little bar show but I still like being asked to be on shows. It seems to happen so rarely now. With days off means searching facebook. Seems like the same people are getting on all the shows. I don't know what it is about me. I realize I'm not a huge promoter but I give people weekly stage time, and am somewhat funny. Literally nothing will come of being bitter or saying anything but honestly it's rediculous. I saw one poster and was shocked to say the least I wasn't asked to be on. Maybe it's the blog or the fact I don't hang out and kiss ass, but it's crazy how some people get on shows.
Well Tuesday show. First the lady friend met me there. It was pouring rain and a bar show so I kinda told her it won't be worth it. I don't want to tell her not to come as she'd take it meanly. So we get there and there's no on there. I decided maybe I'll check out the comedy Palace and come back. Well she already seemed annoyed then stepped in a puddle and just went home. Oh well. I wanted to do the palace as I've been actually writing a lot of new jokes. Could be the limiting of booze, other than Monday, or the fact I'm living with a comic. Its kinda cool living with someone that's your friend. It's been awhile since I've had that, but I somewhat get excited to go home and chat. Before I'd just come home late, go in my room, pound vodka, and pass out. Now were in the living room just talking thinking of jokes etc.
Anyways the show Tuesday was somewhat dead and I went up late but I think I got something out of it. Got some laughs and voiced some jokes. I have a joke I'm pretty excited about. I haven't tried it, but am working on it. It's about bees and it's got a lot of depths. Hopefully I'll try it out on Sunday at the Comedy Store. Welp Winston's tomorow, I'm hoping for a decent turn out.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Am I too sarcastic?
So as I toss and turn in my bed for yet another night of restless sleep. Well last night I slept on someone's bean bag chair as I excepted on too many shots and didn't want to drive. I drove home after in the am. I open up facebook and comment on a few people's pages. I am rarely friendly or nice, I usually just make some wiseass remark. I'm starting to think maybe I am a little too harsh. Many people throughout college and beyond thought I was a dick just because of my sarcasm. I know a lot of comics arn't really that funny in person and are generally depressed, awkward folks. Somne things I do and say people be a little harsh for them to take.
Well I got to Winston's a little late as I played poker all after noon and got hosed so felt I needed a nap. I slept in my car for an hour before getting a little cardio work out in. I walked in to Winston's and there appeared to be a decent amount of people there for 7 PM. Well that seemed to be the cap as few people rolled in after that. The guys I put on a few times before because they can bring massive amounts of people didn't really pull through this time. The feature didn't really promote either. The two headliners brought in 5 or 6 each. So it was a spread out crowd of 25-30. I got up and did mostly jokes. Some older ones I worked back in last Monday and some newer ones. I also brought back some older solid jokes, both of which I screwed up. That was kind of weird. I wasn't drunk (at that time anyways) my mind just crammed in parts of the jokes. I need to start rotating older jokes back in. Whether they bring me no joy or not, I am writing new jokes which I'm happy about, but I can't just throw jokes away because I know they're solid.
I have also decided that my cocaine joke, which is personally one of my favorites does not work in a bar setting. Not sure if it's because I use the word slave, as it is a joke you need to listen to every word. So for now it will be taken out of the bar rotation. I was happy with the comfort and overall flow of my set. It wasn't easy by no means but I struggled through and think I did over 10 minutes. That is something to be proud of in that environment. Like I've said time and time again it's easy to kill at a comedy club, making a mostly comic, drunk crowd laugh is what true comedy is about.
Well I got to Winston's a little late as I played poker all after noon and got hosed so felt I needed a nap. I slept in my car for an hour before getting a little cardio work out in. I walked in to Winston's and there appeared to be a decent amount of people there for 7 PM. Well that seemed to be the cap as few people rolled in after that. The guys I put on a few times before because they can bring massive amounts of people didn't really pull through this time. The feature didn't really promote either. The two headliners brought in 5 or 6 each. So it was a spread out crowd of 25-30. I got up and did mostly jokes. Some older ones I worked back in last Monday and some newer ones. I also brought back some older solid jokes, both of which I screwed up. That was kind of weird. I wasn't drunk (at that time anyways) my mind just crammed in parts of the jokes. I need to start rotating older jokes back in. Whether they bring me no joy or not, I am writing new jokes which I'm happy about, but I can't just throw jokes away because I know they're solid.
I have also decided that my cocaine joke, which is personally one of my favorites does not work in a bar setting. Not sure if it's because I use the word slave, as it is a joke you need to listen to every word. So for now it will be taken out of the bar rotation. I was happy with the comfort and overall flow of my set. It wasn't easy by no means but I struggled through and think I did over 10 minutes. That is something to be proud of in that environment. Like I've said time and time again it's easy to kill at a comedy club, making a mostly comic, drunk crowd laugh is what true comedy is about.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Ugh insomonia
So I haven't been working at the depot much lately but I'm also trying to cut back on alcohol. I've been waking up at 7 and 8 am, no good esp when bed time is 1-3 am. I'm just awake and tired all the time. Yesterday I was at the poker table just exhausted. I remember letting one hand really bother me. I didn't play it that great. but the guy that won played so awful and got extremely lucky. I steamed off some money then pulled a semi bluff that worked to get me back to even. I then won a coin flip for a big pot and left up for probably the 8th or so time in a row.
I had a job interview the other day. It was interesting as I was basically alone at the depot trying to handle customers on the phone and in the store. I find myself getting more and more frustrated there. I don't know how much longer I can do it. I'm going to lose it on a customer pretty soon. Anyways a lady saw me dealing with the crap, complimented me, and said she was looking for someone like me to work at her office. I asked for her card, she didn't have one, so she wrote her info on a piece of paper. I called her later that day, with no answer. I waited until the next day and called her back. She thanked me for following up and we set up a meeting for the next day. The interview went well, and it seemed she wanted to hire me on the spot. She called me yesterday saying she needed a few more days to think about it. I said I understood. The gig would be Monday - Friday, 8-5, and would pay 3.45$ more an hour than the depot. I haven't completely decided if I'd take it, but I think it would be good for me. I'd still have time for all the shows, and poker at night.
So the poker show launched Wednesday. It was eh. There is a lot of pressure on me to carry the excitement of the show. The other people are very new to radio, and the host is trying a little too hard to force bubbily personality out of people who don't really have it. It is tough to be funny about poker. I have extensive knowledge of the game, and probably am a little more advance than the co hosts. The host who is extremely driven, and has all these ideas, has to realize that not everything can be funny. I kind of told her I was skeptical, and wasn't sure if it was going to work. She wants us to critque one another, which I told her I wouldn't do as I don't know the other hosts that well.
And now to the launch of the Thursday downtown show. First off was finding parking. God nothing boils my blood like wasting time looking for parking. It's so crazy how I can throw money around at the poker table but am too cheap to drop $5 on a parking spot. So I walk into the room and am amazed by the set up. It was really put together well. Sadly there was only 3 other comics there. People slowly funneled in. There was probably 23 or so comics, and maybe 20 audience members. I definately think the show has great potential, but getting a crowd is the key. The laughs resinate great on stage. The tough part is the owner needs to sell $400 at the bar in order to break even. What makes that more difficult is that it's cash only. I had a feeling it was going to be that way, but he never let me know. He was nice about not a huge crowd, but I could tell he was somewhat let down. Definately understandable. I had originally planned on doing a promoted show in two weeks, but need to guarentee I can get at least a crowd of 60. I know I'm useless when it comes to bringing people so need to recruit at least 5 or 6 people to help. I want to do at least one good show there, 2 weeks may be a stretch.
I had a job interview the other day. It was interesting as I was basically alone at the depot trying to handle customers on the phone and in the store. I find myself getting more and more frustrated there. I don't know how much longer I can do it. I'm going to lose it on a customer pretty soon. Anyways a lady saw me dealing with the crap, complimented me, and said she was looking for someone like me to work at her office. I asked for her card, she didn't have one, so she wrote her info on a piece of paper. I called her later that day, with no answer. I waited until the next day and called her back. She thanked me for following up and we set up a meeting for the next day. The interview went well, and it seemed she wanted to hire me on the spot. She called me yesterday saying she needed a few more days to think about it. I said I understood. The gig would be Monday - Friday, 8-5, and would pay 3.45$ more an hour than the depot. I haven't completely decided if I'd take it, but I think it would be good for me. I'd still have time for all the shows, and poker at night.
So the poker show launched Wednesday. It was eh. There is a lot of pressure on me to carry the excitement of the show. The other people are very new to radio, and the host is trying a little too hard to force bubbily personality out of people who don't really have it. It is tough to be funny about poker. I have extensive knowledge of the game, and probably am a little more advance than the co hosts. The host who is extremely driven, and has all these ideas, has to realize that not everything can be funny. I kind of told her I was skeptical, and wasn't sure if it was going to work. She wants us to critque one another, which I told her I wouldn't do as I don't know the other hosts that well.
And now to the launch of the Thursday downtown show. First off was finding parking. God nothing boils my blood like wasting time looking for parking. It's so crazy how I can throw money around at the poker table but am too cheap to drop $5 on a parking spot. So I walk into the room and am amazed by the set up. It was really put together well. Sadly there was only 3 other comics there. People slowly funneled in. There was probably 23 or so comics, and maybe 20 audience members. I definately think the show has great potential, but getting a crowd is the key. The laughs resinate great on stage. The tough part is the owner needs to sell $400 at the bar in order to break even. What makes that more difficult is that it's cash only. I had a feeling it was going to be that way, but he never let me know. He was nice about not a huge crowd, but I could tell he was somewhat let down. Definately understandable. I had originally planned on doing a promoted show in two weeks, but need to guarentee I can get at least a crowd of 60. I know I'm useless when it comes to bringing people so need to recruit at least 5 or 6 people to help. I want to do at least one good show there, 2 weeks may be a stretch.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Two shows, lame sauce
So I worked a couple hours Sunday morning and headed home for a little more sleep. After I woke up headed out to meet some of my friends at a bar to watch football and drink adult beverages. It was fun talking comedy and drinking beers. I had a little issue due to the blog once again. The reason I never use people's names is I rarely think differently about people even though I discuss it on here. Confusing I know but I don't write the blog to gossip, I write it because I think there's a lot of crap in comedy. I've had discussions with people about how they felt insulted by things I wrote about them. I wrestle with whether I shuld just make it private. I don't want to censor it, but don't want to lose friendships or shows because of it either. Who knows.
After drinking all day we went to the comedy store. I worked on a character I had been developing called minority comic that does hackey stereotypical jokes. i think it's funny, and I think comics like it, but it probably won't ever really work in front of a crowd. People just don't get or respect a good smart joke. They just want to sit there, drunk their beer, and laugh.
Last night I had a show in Spring Valley. Driving there I'm thinking why the f do I do shows like this. I knew it was going to be rough, but it wasn't terrible. Just at a hick bar in the middle of no wear across from a liquor store and a mexican restaurant. They didn't accept credit cards and had random microwaved foods for $3. I took the opportunity to work on old jokes that I haven't done in awhile. I think I did as good as I could. Kinda weird the host, who I've never met put me up first. I have no problem going first as I wanted to get out of there. I had spoke to the guy once about doing his show in Oceanside. He said I could come up but he couldn't guarentee me anytime. I basically said I'm not going to drive all that way for no time. Doubt he remembers talking with me. The weird part about going first is that I was on the poster and suppose to be a feature. I'm not at all angry, but some people just have no clue how to run a show. We show up and he says we can 15-20. I took it as a challenge, and wanted to do at least 12. Well as I'm up there for a bit I see he lights me? After our initial conversation about 10 more "comics" showed up, so he was probably stretched for time. We were suppose to start at 9, and maybe started at 930. He lit me after 5 minutes... Not one to care, but really sir, 10-15 minutes less than you said. I should teach a "How to run a show 101" course. So many people are doing shows, and they are all so poorly run. Not claiming I run the greatest show, I'm always learning, but have some structure please people.
After drinking all day we went to the comedy store. I worked on a character I had been developing called minority comic that does hackey stereotypical jokes. i think it's funny, and I think comics like it, but it probably won't ever really work in front of a crowd. People just don't get or respect a good smart joke. They just want to sit there, drunk their beer, and laugh.
Last night I had a show in Spring Valley. Driving there I'm thinking why the f do I do shows like this. I knew it was going to be rough, but it wasn't terrible. Just at a hick bar in the middle of no wear across from a liquor store and a mexican restaurant. They didn't accept credit cards and had random microwaved foods for $3. I took the opportunity to work on old jokes that I haven't done in awhile. I think I did as good as I could. Kinda weird the host, who I've never met put me up first. I have no problem going first as I wanted to get out of there. I had spoke to the guy once about doing his show in Oceanside. He said I could come up but he couldn't guarentee me anytime. I basically said I'm not going to drive all that way for no time. Doubt he remembers talking with me. The weird part about going first is that I was on the poster and suppose to be a feature. I'm not at all angry, but some people just have no clue how to run a show. We show up and he says we can 15-20. I took it as a challenge, and wanted to do at least 12. Well as I'm up there for a bit I see he lights me? After our initial conversation about 10 more "comics" showed up, so he was probably stretched for time. We were suppose to start at 9, and maybe started at 930. He lit me after 5 minutes... Not one to care, but really sir, 10-15 minutes less than you said. I should teach a "How to run a show 101" course. So many people are doing shows, and they are all so poorly run. Not claiming I run the greatest show, I'm always learning, but have some structure please people.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Ugh that sucked
So it was a pretty lame Winston's show. Typical big time comic headliner meaning little to no promoting on their end. The good thing about it was that they welcomed me back to me apart of their Comedy Store show next month. He's a pretty nice guy. He complimented me on my set at his previous show. Veery rarely does that happen. And with what was said by the dude the other night it meant a lot.
My set was basically just riffing and trying to vocalize some new jokes. It's tough to really gauge, but I stuck with it and that's a success in itself. Kinda weird a gal I used to date was there with her new flame. I'm totally over her so it wasn't anything but definately a weird thing.
Putting on a show as pathetic as that one, and just searching the facebook. There are already so many shows going on. I think I may be over my head thinking I can take on another show. There are so many comics, but honestly few to little audience members. Also there are a lot of comics but few can promote. And of those who can promote little to none actually have any talent. I don't want to put on a crappy show. Might as well try it out, but now that I'm thinking about it, it'll probably be a one time thing.
The dude I run Winston's with said he was offered a chance to perform overseas but couldn't. I think I'm gonna email the guy, no sense in not asking. I'll see what happens. Nothing else really to report. No drama on the show really.
My set was basically just riffing and trying to vocalize some new jokes. It's tough to really gauge, but I stuck with it and that's a success in itself. Kinda weird a gal I used to date was there with her new flame. I'm totally over her so it wasn't anything but definately a weird thing.
Putting on a show as pathetic as that one, and just searching the facebook. There are already so many shows going on. I think I may be over my head thinking I can take on another show. There are so many comics, but honestly few to little audience members. Also there are a lot of comics but few can promote. And of those who can promote little to none actually have any talent. I don't want to put on a crappy show. Might as well try it out, but now that I'm thinking about it, it'll probably be a one time thing.
The dude I run Winston's with said he was offered a chance to perform overseas but couldn't. I think I'm gonna email the guy, no sense in not asking. I'll see what happens. Nothing else really to report. No drama on the show really.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Don't insult a stranger
Had a couple rougher shows last night, but first want to speak about the Sunday incident. I wasn't going to say anything else about it, but I was told the host was "spitting the truth." Aka being a drunk douche and placing himself in the lunatic comic category. I guess he got on stage after we left, saying he was mad people don't take his show seriously, don't do jokes, and take advantage of the stage time he offers them. Might I mention he is angry people are not taking his show serious while A. Being drunk, B. Wearing a top hot and mayor's sash, and C. Generally giving people terrible intros. The show is suppose to start at 9:30, but normally begins at 10. He places the list down when he arrives, usually late, let's people do as much time as they want, let's people heckle and warns comics that people in the crowd may fight. Really you want a comic to take your show seriously? Put some effort into producing of the show, and maybe people will take it seriously. I did enjoy doing the room, but the last two weeks have been pretty terrible. I think changed my approach to comedy, and got more comfortable and free flowing on stage from doing the room. But if he wants comics to do jokes out front of 4 people and 16 comics he's crazy.
Well last night I performed at a show downtown to a crowd of people eating all you can eat crab. It was a fine establishment, with people dressed nice and many possibly on cocaine. My main focus was to just plow through the jokes unless provoked. No one said anything until the very end, so I did my jokes. I started off pretty good, but lost some steam towards the end. That is a problem I have still. If a joke doesn't go well my engergy and delivery kind of dies down. It's been awhile since that's happened but it's still something I need to work on. I had 10 minutes or so. And hit the wall around the 7 minute mark I'd guess. It felt like I was up there for awhile and had troubling remembering my jokes. I did some older jokes, but to think I have over an hour of jokes and couldn't think of 10 minutes worth that I want to do is sad. I'd say I did ok considering.
Next up I did a bar show in Pb. It was dead compared to the last time I did it. Maybe 15 or so people. Had no set planned but wanted to try some jokes and see what happened. I ended up bantering with some people and even had a dude buy me a shot while I was on stage. I also had some dude high five me and ask if I wanted to take a shot with them, which never happened but I didn't persue drinking with a table of dudes to heavily. I then sat around and watched the rest of the show. There was a couple black comics after me, one who got second in the comedy competition finals. Typical black comedy, ball shaving and tough being black etc. Next black comic same stuff. There was an established white comic from L.A. after that, I had no idea what he was talking about. I think he may have been on drugs as he just ran off stage when he was done. Last up was the headliner, black dude, who constantly acted like he was too good to be on the show. Didn't really hear him tell many jokes. When I walked over to say bye to the host he goes "Oh that's the comic, don't quit you day job." I said thanks, and says "See you at Best Buy." We left. Not sure what his point of doing this. I've talked about it before being a dick is never a way to win over the crowd. It did bother me a bit, as it was so out of left field. But in the end it means nothing, as I'll never see him or any of those people again.
Well last night I performed at a show downtown to a crowd of people eating all you can eat crab. It was a fine establishment, with people dressed nice and many possibly on cocaine. My main focus was to just plow through the jokes unless provoked. No one said anything until the very end, so I did my jokes. I started off pretty good, but lost some steam towards the end. That is a problem I have still. If a joke doesn't go well my engergy and delivery kind of dies down. It's been awhile since that's happened but it's still something I need to work on. I had 10 minutes or so. And hit the wall around the 7 minute mark I'd guess. It felt like I was up there for awhile and had troubling remembering my jokes. I did some older jokes, but to think I have over an hour of jokes and couldn't think of 10 minutes worth that I want to do is sad. I'd say I did ok considering.
Next up I did a bar show in Pb. It was dead compared to the last time I did it. Maybe 15 or so people. Had no set planned but wanted to try some jokes and see what happened. I ended up bantering with some people and even had a dude buy me a shot while I was on stage. I also had some dude high five me and ask if I wanted to take a shot with them, which never happened but I didn't persue drinking with a table of dudes to heavily. I then sat around and watched the rest of the show. There was a couple black comics after me, one who got second in the comedy competition finals. Typical black comedy, ball shaving and tough being black etc. Next black comic same stuff. There was an established white comic from L.A. after that, I had no idea what he was talking about. I think he may have been on drugs as he just ran off stage when he was done. Last up was the headliner, black dude, who constantly acted like he was too good to be on the show. Didn't really hear him tell many jokes. When I walked over to say bye to the host he goes "Oh that's the comic, don't quit you day job." I said thanks, and says "See you at Best Buy." We left. Not sure what his point of doing this. I've talked about it before being a dick is never a way to win over the crowd. It did bother me a bit, as it was so out of left field. But in the end it means nothing, as I'll never see him or any of those people again.
Monday, October 4, 2010
5 shows and some fun
Well I had Thursday- Sunday off from the Depot. Thursday I had a meeting with a guy downtown about starting up a Thursday night show. I checked out the place and it is pretty huge. It is right across from the baseball stadium, and could filter some crowd members with the right people behind the promoting. It is basically a warehouse that they are converting into a concert spot. It is huge and could hold a lot of people. There are 3 seperate areas, and I deceided to take the smaller spot as it would work best for comedy. I booked it to have an open mic in a few weeks and will try a promoted show 2 weeks after that. I'm not real sure why I'm trying to take on another show, as I can barely fill Winston's or get people to come to my other shows. But I do think Thursday night would be a good addition to the San Diego comedy scene. Will see..
Thurday I met with the people I'll be doing the poker show with this week. I said a few whacky things and the older black woman on the show kind of rolled her eyes and looked at me like I was nuts. Some people doin't get sarcasm. The meeting went pretty good overall, and I look forward to the show. The girl who had the idea foor the show has all these lofty plans, none of which have panned out quite yet. I have to pay $50 a month now to do the show. Not exactly ideal, but I guess I don't spendmoney on anything so it'll be in the hobby fund. I won't do it forever but if the show could get off the ground it could make us some money. Who knows.
After that meeting I was on at the Comedy Store. I got on because I put a few people on Winston's this week and they returned the favor. It's very rare I get hooked up because of Winston's stage time. People take it for granted I guess. The show was hosted by a huge black dude, and most of the comics on the show were gansta. Then it was nerdy white guy me. I do pretty good with this as I can play the role, and know a lot about rap music etc. After I got off the host was like, "He's pretty funny, for a white guy..." Also when I got off stage some dude named "tiny pearl" I believe took name my name and said he'd call me to do my "skit" sometime. He hasn't called yet but who knows.
Friday I went and played poker during the day. I played one hand bad, gambled a bit much, but overall played pretty good. I've been pretty unlucky lately, as always, but I've just been really card dead lately. Haven't had many big spots and seem to lose all the big races/ pots. I ended up a little bit nothing crazy.
I then went over to Winston's. I've spoke about it before but the show at the Comedy Store I was bummbed about not being asked to be on was Wednesday. They ended up selling the show out and seemed they got on another show downtown out front on 600 plus people on Saturday. I'm so torn whether to be happy, bummed, or unfazed by it all. The dude is a really nice guy, so it's tough to be mad. But it's human nature to feel cheated. It's not going to affect me in the future but I am more aware of my surroundings and things I do.
The Winston's show started off pretty decent as an open mic er brought a good amount of people for her first performance. She pretty much just talked and thought her life stories were the funniest thing ever. For the most part stories that make your friends laugh rarely transition to stage. After she went on the crowd dwindled down. The people that were promoters on the show brought few people. My set was somewhat interesting. I was getting "heckled" by this 50 yr old drunk dude. It was happy heckling nothing mean or what not. I got off stage and he even came up and high fived me. I love how hecklers think they actually are helping. I don't mind it, but to think they are doing good is silly. It went so well, someone asked me if it was planned.
After that we hung out downtown and went over to my buddies house. HE gave me a bottle with some moonshine in it. Ugh that was a nightmare. I got drunk to the point I haven't been in awhile which isn't cool. I just left, got some pizza, and slept in my car. I woke up with a half eaten piece of pizza on my chest, finsihed the pizza, headed over to pick up my friend, and drove up to the casino. Played more poker all day. Still another slow day, got lucky in one spot where I made a call completely gambling and got lucky. I later got unlucky for a huge pot, so obviously my luck can't last more than one time.
I then had a show at a small pizza restaurant. It was somewhat interesting. There was a decent crowd but they were quite proper. Anytime I spoke about anything somewhat edgy they would freeze. I should have spoke with the crowd more instead of doing jokes. But I was able to do some jokes I haven't tried in awhile and they were hit or miss basically. I did get a new joke, and I think it worked well. I hung out for a little while but headed over to my friends house for a birthday party. It was fun, played beer pong for the first time in awhile. AFter most everyone left a couple of us walked around and got some food. We then headed back and slept there.
Next morning we wake up at 9, walk around awhile and settle at a breakfast buffet. I didn't get the buffet, just drank a couple bloody mary's, and snacked on some sushi. We then walked back, watched some football, drank some beer, and played some online poker. Ended up a little bit then took a nap.
Next up was the Comedy Store open mic. I was slightly buzzed so just played around with the crowd and tried a couple new jokes. It was fun. We ended the night and the long weekend at the Blarney Stone. It was a smaller than usual crowd. Normally there's at least one or two tables with people. There was none just some people playing darts in the back. Some lady was yelling "What's the point?" Some other guy yelling about the Chargers. Not to mention the host being overly mean for some reason. There was more tention and anger in the room than I'm used to. I just messed around for a bit than tried a gimmick I did with my friend that worked really well on Saturday. It was not a good idea to try it there as no one was paying attention, plus they were too dumb to even know what was going on.
Thurday I met with the people I'll be doing the poker show with this week. I said a few whacky things and the older black woman on the show kind of rolled her eyes and looked at me like I was nuts. Some people doin't get sarcasm. The meeting went pretty good overall, and I look forward to the show. The girl who had the idea foor the show has all these lofty plans, none of which have panned out quite yet. I have to pay $50 a month now to do the show. Not exactly ideal, but I guess I don't spendmoney on anything so it'll be in the hobby fund. I won't do it forever but if the show could get off the ground it could make us some money. Who knows.
After that meeting I was on at the Comedy Store. I got on because I put a few people on Winston's this week and they returned the favor. It's very rare I get hooked up because of Winston's stage time. People take it for granted I guess. The show was hosted by a huge black dude, and most of the comics on the show were gansta. Then it was nerdy white guy me. I do pretty good with this as I can play the role, and know a lot about rap music etc. After I got off the host was like, "He's pretty funny, for a white guy..." Also when I got off stage some dude named "tiny pearl" I believe took name my name and said he'd call me to do my "skit" sometime. He hasn't called yet but who knows.
Friday I went and played poker during the day. I played one hand bad, gambled a bit much, but overall played pretty good. I've been pretty unlucky lately, as always, but I've just been really card dead lately. Haven't had many big spots and seem to lose all the big races/ pots. I ended up a little bit nothing crazy.
I then went over to Winston's. I've spoke about it before but the show at the Comedy Store I was bummbed about not being asked to be on was Wednesday. They ended up selling the show out and seemed they got on another show downtown out front on 600 plus people on Saturday. I'm so torn whether to be happy, bummed, or unfazed by it all. The dude is a really nice guy, so it's tough to be mad. But it's human nature to feel cheated. It's not going to affect me in the future but I am more aware of my surroundings and things I do.
The Winston's show started off pretty decent as an open mic er brought a good amount of people for her first performance. She pretty much just talked and thought her life stories were the funniest thing ever. For the most part stories that make your friends laugh rarely transition to stage. After she went on the crowd dwindled down. The people that were promoters on the show brought few people. My set was somewhat interesting. I was getting "heckled" by this 50 yr old drunk dude. It was happy heckling nothing mean or what not. I got off stage and he even came up and high fived me. I love how hecklers think they actually are helping. I don't mind it, but to think they are doing good is silly. It went so well, someone asked me if it was planned.
After that we hung out downtown and went over to my buddies house. HE gave me a bottle with some moonshine in it. Ugh that was a nightmare. I got drunk to the point I haven't been in awhile which isn't cool. I just left, got some pizza, and slept in my car. I woke up with a half eaten piece of pizza on my chest, finsihed the pizza, headed over to pick up my friend, and drove up to the casino. Played more poker all day. Still another slow day, got lucky in one spot where I made a call completely gambling and got lucky. I later got unlucky for a huge pot, so obviously my luck can't last more than one time.
I then had a show at a small pizza restaurant. It was somewhat interesting. There was a decent crowd but they were quite proper. Anytime I spoke about anything somewhat edgy they would freeze. I should have spoke with the crowd more instead of doing jokes. But I was able to do some jokes I haven't tried in awhile and they were hit or miss basically. I did get a new joke, and I think it worked well. I hung out for a little while but headed over to my friends house for a birthday party. It was fun, played beer pong for the first time in awhile. AFter most everyone left a couple of us walked around and got some food. We then headed back and slept there.
Next morning we wake up at 9, walk around awhile and settle at a breakfast buffet. I didn't get the buffet, just drank a couple bloody mary's, and snacked on some sushi. We then walked back, watched some football, drank some beer, and played some online poker. Ended up a little bit then took a nap.
Next up was the Comedy Store open mic. I was slightly buzzed so just played around with the crowd and tried a couple new jokes. It was fun. We ended the night and the long weekend at the Blarney Stone. It was a smaller than usual crowd. Normally there's at least one or two tables with people. There was none just some people playing darts in the back. Some lady was yelling "What's the point?" Some other guy yelling about the Chargers. Not to mention the host being overly mean for some reason. There was more tention and anger in the room than I'm used to. I just messed around for a bit than tried a gimmick I did with my friend that worked really well on Saturday. It was not a good idea to try it there as no one was paying attention, plus they were too dumb to even know what was going on.
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