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.
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