Feel like I'm getting my comedy legs back here after a couple of flat weeks.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Athens, GA of Stand-up?
As I've mentioned (ad nauseum) to friends, I used to do stand up at a lot of open mics in the eighties, and I'm just blown away by the difference between the way things were then and today's lively comedy scene in the Asheville-Greenville market (alphabetical).
The first thing that impresses me is the hard work and talent that dozens of sharp young men and women pour out onto whatever audience they can find. You don't see the old cliché of these venues -- the drunk guy whose friends have convinced him to wing it because he always makes them laugh. Instead, you see comics who've written and prepared and are -- with rare exceptions -- very funny. Comedians who have a tough sets go home, put their material in the shop and come back funnier (and funnier still the next time).
An incredible sense of camaraderie also defines a sharp contrast between our local comedy world and the one I saw all those years ago. People support each other, critique each other's work and are genuinely glad to see each other. As each person gets better, it challenges others to do the same, and the environment builds better and funnier comics.
Lately, I've been wondering if this is somewhat unique -- do most areas have this kind of vibrant comedy community? Or is Greenville-Asheville like Athens was to alternative music in the eighties? I dunno. I do know I'm happy to have found this group of people, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
The first thing that impresses me is the hard work and talent that dozens of sharp young men and women pour out onto whatever audience they can find. You don't see the old cliché of these venues -- the drunk guy whose friends have convinced him to wing it because he always makes them laugh. Instead, you see comics who've written and prepared and are -- with rare exceptions -- very funny. Comedians who have a tough sets go home, put their material in the shop and come back funnier (and funnier still the next time).
An incredible sense of camaraderie also defines a sharp contrast between our local comedy world and the one I saw all those years ago. People support each other, critique each other's work and are genuinely glad to see each other. As each person gets better, it challenges others to do the same, and the environment builds better and funnier comics.
Lately, I've been wondering if this is somewhat unique -- do most areas have this kind of vibrant comedy community? Or is Greenville-Asheville like Athens was to alternative music in the eighties? I dunno. I do know I'm happy to have found this group of people, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Coffee Underground, March 15
Ok, this is getting ridiculous. I've got to learn how to get off a stage with some degree of grace and professionalism.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tomato Tuesdays March 9, 2010
Made a few gaffes here. Neeed to always make time to practice. Lot of fun, though.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday at Coffee Underground
The word's getting out about the great show the Greenville comics put on, and there was a packed house for most of the evening. I really had a blast. Got to work on my closing.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
At Vortex Caberet, March 4, 2010
There's a wonderful variety show in Asheville on Thursday nights at the Grove house (11 Grove Street). You'll see bands, magic acts, comedy -- I was really impressed by an accordian player. This is my set at the Vortex.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March 1, 2010 at Coffee Underground
A great crownd at No Expectations Comedy's open mic at Coffee Underground.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
