Nine Years

Huh. Today's an anniversary of sorts. One I'd almost forgotten.

On a winter night, nine years ago in Greenville, SC, I stepped out onto the No Expectations open mic stage, ending a 25-year break from stand-up comedy.

I came straight from work, and I was wearing a trenchcoat and black, leather gloves with the dress clothes and tie I worked in. I caught Jason Farr, the night's host, aside and asked him if he could work me in. He found a spot for me.

I remember a little stage fright, and I did bits I'd never said out loud, mostly just thought about as the no-comedy years had passed. I got laughs, and, as I walked away from the stage, one of the evening's other comics complimented me, sincerely, on my "costume."

I called my wife on the way home. I was electrified. Ecstatic.

Fast forward nine years. I travel regularly for comedy. From last Friday to tonight, I will have performed at bookings in Huntsville, Asheville, Wilmington, and Charleston. I have many good friends, and a handful of very close ones, all of whom I'd never have met otherwise.

And tonight, after doing Keith Dee's Charelston, SC show at Sportsbook, I'll go back to my hotel and tell my wife about it.


...and I'll be electrified. Ecstatic. I promise.


Tonight, I will be funny. Thank god.