One month of 2015 is already almost in the books and I have only a couple of short weeks left in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque will always hold a special place in my heart as it's the city that I truly "grew up" in (even though I'm still not fully grown up). I have a million memories here, I have family here, and some of the best friends I will ever know. If it weren't for some of my friends, I probably would have been to scared to ever step foot on stage at Laffs Comedy Club in 2001. Here's a blog about my first show.
So many great people in Albuquerque made a big impact on my life. My buddies from AnesthesiA were a huge influence and they offered me a lot of stage time early on in my comedy career. I would often tell jokes as they set up their equipment. Those guys have really come a long way since I first met them, they went from playing shows in my den, to opening for several of the top metal bands that came through town. They even snagged a record deal with Suburban Noize Records and their new cd will be released February 28th, so go to the show! Unfortunately, I will be out of town and won't be able to catch it. I got to perform at their first cd release party and their ten-year anniversary show.
In 2002, I met a new comic in Albuquerque, Marc Shuter. He was just 16 when he started coming to Laffs and doing stand-up. He had some really clever one liners, but he used a Steven Wright joke and I didn't like him at first. And a lot of jokes were about pooping and farting, so I wasn't a fan right away. He grew on me after awhile and we started hanging out and becoming writing partners. Marc was featuring in comedy clubs by the time he was 21 and his cd was being played on XM radio. He decided to quit doing stand-up, but got involved in screen writing. He wrote and starred in his first film, "The Bigfoot Election," which won best local feature at the Albuquerque Film Festival. It was also selected for the Hollywood Film Festival. You can watch it on iTunes or Amazon, it's super funny and well written! Marc and I teamed up to write, "The Consequences of a Feeble Mind," which took us just over a year with re-writes. We are hoping to film this year, we are both pretty excited about it. I think Marc has a great writing career ahead of him, and I have no problem riding his coattails. Just kidding.
It would probably take an entire month and a box of tissues (crying, not masturbating, perverts) to mention everyone in Albuquerque that has had an impact on my life in one way or another, so I just want to thank everyone for all the kind words, the stage time, and the advice. I'll do my best to make Albuquerque proud! Thank you everyone for being a huge part of my life.
And I suppose I will miss my family, too. My mom, Kyle, Chad, Amy and Dylan, Hunter, and Phoenix, the craziest nephews ever! I love you guys!
Thanks Albuquerque.
Showing posts with label curt fletcher comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label curt fletcher comedy. Show all posts
Monday, January 26, 2015
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Matt Peterson
Today is the birthday of my good friend, Matt Peterson, an Albuquerque comic. I've known Matt since before his comedy days when we worked together at Poppi's Pizza (I miss that place!) Matt was always a super cool guy to work with, in fact, on my final delivery there when my car broke down, Matt came and picked me up and took me on the delivery. It was like something out of a movie. An extremely gay movie, but still, a movie. I got to see Matt perform his first few shows over at Laffs Comedy Club, and I knew he was going to be good. He had a great stage presence, and never seemed nervous. I could usually always tell who the new comics were, mostly because I'd have to clean up their puke in the bathroom at the club. With Matt you could never tell if he was nervous.
Over the years Matt's act has gotten so much better. He's a great bit writer and he's an awesome performer, too. I love watching him get pissed off, his rants are the hilarious! I saw him one night at Howie's rip into some people, not going to mention their names, but holy shit! That was one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life.
I've taken Matt on the road a couple of times, and in May we are going to Loonees Comedy Corner in Colorado Springs! I love working with Matt on the road, he's so laid back. Some comics are hard to work with, but not Matt. Last time I took him up there was my birthday week, we got pretty hammered. We worked with Matt Baetz, who is hilarious. Had great shows all weekend, and had fun watching March Madness.
Happy birthday Matt Peterson! Love ya buddy.
To see Matt perform, he's at the Damn Bar in Rio Rancho ever Friday at 8 pm. Also, a big show at the Guild Theater March 15th. He's also one of my opening acts for my dvd taping, so get out and see Matt perform! He's on at the Box tonight at 10:30
Over the years Matt's act has gotten so much better. He's a great bit writer and he's an awesome performer, too. I love watching him get pissed off, his rants are the hilarious! I saw him one night at Howie's rip into some people, not going to mention their names, but holy shit! That was one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life.
I've taken Matt on the road a couple of times, and in May we are going to Loonees Comedy Corner in Colorado Springs! I love working with Matt on the road, he's so laid back. Some comics are hard to work with, but not Matt. Last time I took him up there was my birthday week, we got pretty hammered. We worked with Matt Baetz, who is hilarious. Had great shows all weekend, and had fun watching March Madness.
Happy birthday Matt Peterson! Love ya buddy.
To see Matt perform, he's at the Damn Bar in Rio Rancho ever Friday at 8 pm. Also, a big show at the Guild Theater March 15th. He's also one of my opening acts for my dvd taping, so get out and see Matt perform! He's on at the Box tonight at 10:30
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Live DVD taping at the Box!
I have nailed down a venue for my live dvd taping, it will be Friday May 24th at 10:30 p.m. at the Box in downtown Albuquerque! Tickets are only $10 and they will go on sale next week. Get tickets soon though, it's a small venue. Since the show is 100 days away from tomorrow, I am going to countdown my favorite 100 comics starting tomorrow until the day of the show. So everyday on my little bloggy I will post a different comic.
Heard some sad news yesterday, one of my favorite clubs, Wits End, in Westminster, CO, will be closing down this weekend. I was scheduled to perform there in May, but sadly won't get to now. I do have a few dates lined up in Colorado though, but I will miss that place. I worked there doing telemarketing when I lived a couple blocks from the club. John, the owner, is a super cool guy, wish it could have worked out better for him, but he did all that he could.
Curt Fletcher Live DVD Taping
May 24, 2013 10:30 p.m.
$10 tickets
www.funnyfletcher.com
Heard some sad news yesterday, one of my favorite clubs, Wits End, in Westminster, CO, will be closing down this weekend. I was scheduled to perform there in May, but sadly won't get to now. I do have a few dates lined up in Colorado though, but I will miss that place. I worked there doing telemarketing when I lived a couple blocks from the club. John, the owner, is a super cool guy, wish it could have worked out better for him, but he did all that he could.
Curt Fletcher Live DVD Taping
May 24, 2013 10:30 p.m.
$10 tickets
www.funnyfletcher.com
Friday, January 4, 2013
2012
Well 2012 is over, went by pretty fast. A lot of stuff happened in 2012, I'm looking forward to 2013. I'll be getting my Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems in December, which is exciting! 2012 was pretty eventful, had some great shows, worked with some great comics. A lot of venues came and went, I even ran my own show for a couple of months at 405 Lounge downtown. Didn't go so well haha. I'll stick to performing and writing. I was voted as a finalist for Best Comedian in Albuquerque in the Weekly Alibi and Albuquerque the Magazine, too! I'll break down my year by month.
JANUARY
4 Hollywood, CA-M Bar This was a preliminary show for the Laughing Skull Festival, I didn't advance from this show, but found out a few weeks later that I made it from my submission tape! This was a great show, so many funny comics. Chris Mata and Tom Clark performed, they weren't part of the competition. Jason Keyes, Mark Agee, Alex Hooper, Ali Breen, Jen Murphy and some other awesome comics were on that night!
20-21 Angelfire, NM Performed three shows in Angelfire with Russ Rivas. Big Benny and Erika Viking from 102.5 were there hanging out, too.
Started school again at CNM, so not many road gigs this year.
FEBRUARY
4 Taos, NM-Casa De Las Cordovas Headlined this show with Anthony "Animal" Garcia, Eddie Tafoya and Joe Quesada. This was an amazing crowd! Even Eddie had a killer set.
MARCH
6 Albuquerque, NM-The After After Party Taping Did my third taping for the show, had a lot of fun, met some great people, Jeramy Reynolds from Joy Junction, Rebilt was on the show, too, cool local band!
14 Towaoc, CO-Ute Mountain Casino Headlined with Matt Peterson as my feature, had less than 20 people at the show, but we had a blast.
24 Durango, CO-Strater Theater Worked with Dave Testroet, kind of a small crowd, but it was a lot of fun. Snuck our puppy into the hotel, too. Take that Strater Hotel!
28-31 Atlanta, GA-Laughing Skull Festival This week was a blast! Shared a room with Mark Agee, Alex Hooper and Grant Lyon, a lot of talent in one room. I got to perform at the Laughing Skull Lounge, Midtown Hotel and Relapse Theater. I didn't advance in the competition, but with that much talent, I was honored just to be part of it. Also, got to hang out with my old friend, Justin Clutter, which was super cool! Also hung out with some of my favorite comics, Gabe Rutledge, Mark Poolos and Johnny Beehner. Went to the nastiest strip club I've ever seen in my life, too.
APRIL
28 Albuquerque, NM-Hotel Andaluz This show was put together my 93.3 KOB-FM, awesome crowd. This one of the better crowds in Albuquerque all year for comedy and a great lineup.
MAY
5 Albuquerque, NM-Reptilian Lounge Got to perform at the Reptilian Lounge! I don't think the theatre people enjoyed my set much, but I had a blast.
6 Albuquerque, NM-The Box Joe Quesada Roast Had a roast for Joe Quesada who moved to LA, then months later moved back. Got to talk shit about a lot of comics!
23-26 Little Rock, AR-Loony Bin Worked with Skip Clark, kind of light crowds at the club that week. That's always a tough week to bring people in, but it wasn't bad. Had fun hanging with Skip and the mc, Steven Baucom.
30-June 2 Tulsa, OK-Loony Bin Worked with Testroet again and Dan Fritschie, had a great week! I love the Tulsa club, the people there are a lot of fun.
JUNE
3 Albuquerque, NM-Route 66 Casino Bryan Cranston was at the show! Steven Michael Quezada headlined, Niki Mangin was the host and mc and did a great job! Check my earlier blog for the story about the dead body.
11 Pinetop, AZ-Hondah Casino Headlined at the Hondah Casino, not much to report.
29-30 Tucson, AZ-Laffs Comedy Club Worked with Sean Kent, who I got to hang with a little in Atlanta. Had a great weekend, I love Tucson!
JULY
6 Las Vegas, NM-New Mexico Highlands Performed again with SMQ, had a fun show at New Mexico Highlands. It was a beautiful stage, crowd was pretty good.
14 Albuquerque, NM-Filling Station This was a lot of fun, great crowd at the Filling Station, sofacats!
26 Albuquerque, NM-405 Lounge Had Ron Ferguson come down from Denver to perform at the venue I was booking. Had a rough turn-out, which was disappointing, but it was cool working with Ron again. He's touring a lot with Pablo Francisco.
AUGUST
16-18 Colorado Springs, CO-Loonees Comedy Corner Worked with Adam Cayton-Holland, if you haven't seen him check him out, very funny! And a big baseball fan, which makes him even cooler. Had a fun weekend.
SEPTEMBER
21 Albuquerque, NM-Tech Love Black Lab Got to perform at Blackout Theater's Black Lab, which was super cool! Lots of improv and music, fun night.
OCTOBER
13 Albuquerque, NM-Moose Lodge Family Center This was an amazing show with SMQ! I did over an hour at the show as the feature act, I forgot my watch, so I felt kind of bad, but the promoter was super cool about it. We had about 200 people there!
19-20 Tucson, AZ-Laffs Comedy Club Emceed at a club for the first time in quite awhile, but I wanted to work with Jake Sharon and SMQ. Had a blast that weekend!
22 Pinetop, AZ-Hondah Casino Cruised up to the casino with Jake and opened the show for him and Keith Breckenridge.
27 TV The After After Party I was on TV!
NOVEMBER
3 Albuquerque, NM-The Box Comedian Origins, one of the coolest shows I've done. We did our first five minutes of material we every performed and our most recent five!
9 Albuquerque, NM-Uptown Sports Bar and Grill Great show, got to raise money for the New Mexico Wolfpack so they could go play in a bowl game!
DECEMBER
7 Rio Rancho, NM-The Damn Bar Got to perform on a show with my wife, Caitlin! She had such a great set, took command of the stage and rocked it. She was so happy. I didn't do that well, but felt great for her.
14-15 Ft. Worth, TX-Hyenas James Morrow and I took a road trip out to Texas and had a blast. Ben Creed was the headliner for the weekend, he's one of the best. I hadn't worked with him in years! Still funny as hell. New club was fun.
20-22 Dallas, TX-Hyenas Had a fun time working with Aaron Aryanpur, who had just won the Funniest Comic in Texas contest. Paul Varghese came in for guest sets, too, great lineups.
31 Albuquerque, NM-Artbar This was the first year I wasn't booked for a NYE gig since like 2007. I was at the show hanging out enjoying the entertainment and one of the comics couldn't make it, so I filled in. I was pretty wasted, and it wasn't the best set up for stand-up comedy, but it was fun. The Red Light Cameras were awesome, too!
Performing at Laughing Skull Festival
Cait and I at Lisa Frank factory
Niki, Me, SMQ and a couple peeps from Route 66
Performing at UNM
Hammered at the ArtBar
JANUARY
4 Hollywood, CA-M Bar This was a preliminary show for the Laughing Skull Festival, I didn't advance from this show, but found out a few weeks later that I made it from my submission tape! This was a great show, so many funny comics. Chris Mata and Tom Clark performed, they weren't part of the competition. Jason Keyes, Mark Agee, Alex Hooper, Ali Breen, Jen Murphy and some other awesome comics were on that night!
20-21 Angelfire, NM Performed three shows in Angelfire with Russ Rivas. Big Benny and Erika Viking from 102.5 were there hanging out, too.
Started school again at CNM, so not many road gigs this year.
FEBRUARY
4 Taos, NM-Casa De Las Cordovas Headlined this show with Anthony "Animal" Garcia, Eddie Tafoya and Joe Quesada. This was an amazing crowd! Even Eddie had a killer set.
MARCH
6 Albuquerque, NM-The After After Party Taping Did my third taping for the show, had a lot of fun, met some great people, Jeramy Reynolds from Joy Junction, Rebilt was on the show, too, cool local band!
14 Towaoc, CO-Ute Mountain Casino Headlined with Matt Peterson as my feature, had less than 20 people at the show, but we had a blast.
24 Durango, CO-Strater Theater Worked with Dave Testroet, kind of a small crowd, but it was a lot of fun. Snuck our puppy into the hotel, too. Take that Strater Hotel!
28-31 Atlanta, GA-Laughing Skull Festival This week was a blast! Shared a room with Mark Agee, Alex Hooper and Grant Lyon, a lot of talent in one room. I got to perform at the Laughing Skull Lounge, Midtown Hotel and Relapse Theater. I didn't advance in the competition, but with that much talent, I was honored just to be part of it. Also, got to hang out with my old friend, Justin Clutter, which was super cool! Also hung out with some of my favorite comics, Gabe Rutledge, Mark Poolos and Johnny Beehner. Went to the nastiest strip club I've ever seen in my life, too.
APRIL
28 Albuquerque, NM-Hotel Andaluz This show was put together my 93.3 KOB-FM, awesome crowd. This one of the better crowds in Albuquerque all year for comedy and a great lineup.
MAY
5 Albuquerque, NM-Reptilian Lounge Got to perform at the Reptilian Lounge! I don't think the theatre people enjoyed my set much, but I had a blast.
6 Albuquerque, NM-The Box Joe Quesada Roast Had a roast for Joe Quesada who moved to LA, then months later moved back. Got to talk shit about a lot of comics!
23-26 Little Rock, AR-Loony Bin Worked with Skip Clark, kind of light crowds at the club that week. That's always a tough week to bring people in, but it wasn't bad. Had fun hanging with Skip and the mc, Steven Baucom.
30-June 2 Tulsa, OK-Loony Bin Worked with Testroet again and Dan Fritschie, had a great week! I love the Tulsa club, the people there are a lot of fun.
JUNE
3 Albuquerque, NM-Route 66 Casino Bryan Cranston was at the show! Steven Michael Quezada headlined, Niki Mangin was the host and mc and did a great job! Check my earlier blog for the story about the dead body.
11 Pinetop, AZ-Hondah Casino Headlined at the Hondah Casino, not much to report.
29-30 Tucson, AZ-Laffs Comedy Club Worked with Sean Kent, who I got to hang with a little in Atlanta. Had a great weekend, I love Tucson!
JULY
6 Las Vegas, NM-New Mexico Highlands Performed again with SMQ, had a fun show at New Mexico Highlands. It was a beautiful stage, crowd was pretty good.
14 Albuquerque, NM-Filling Station This was a lot of fun, great crowd at the Filling Station, sofacats!
26 Albuquerque, NM-405 Lounge Had Ron Ferguson come down from Denver to perform at the venue I was booking. Had a rough turn-out, which was disappointing, but it was cool working with Ron again. He's touring a lot with Pablo Francisco.
AUGUST
16-18 Colorado Springs, CO-Loonees Comedy Corner Worked with Adam Cayton-Holland, if you haven't seen him check him out, very funny! And a big baseball fan, which makes him even cooler. Had a fun weekend.
SEPTEMBER
21 Albuquerque, NM-Tech Love Black Lab Got to perform at Blackout Theater's Black Lab, which was super cool! Lots of improv and music, fun night.
OCTOBER
13 Albuquerque, NM-Moose Lodge Family Center This was an amazing show with SMQ! I did over an hour at the show as the feature act, I forgot my watch, so I felt kind of bad, but the promoter was super cool about it. We had about 200 people there!
19-20 Tucson, AZ-Laffs Comedy Club Emceed at a club for the first time in quite awhile, but I wanted to work with Jake Sharon and SMQ. Had a blast that weekend!
22 Pinetop, AZ-Hondah Casino Cruised up to the casino with Jake and opened the show for him and Keith Breckenridge.
27 TV The After After Party I was on TV!
NOVEMBER
3 Albuquerque, NM-The Box Comedian Origins, one of the coolest shows I've done. We did our first five minutes of material we every performed and our most recent five!
9 Albuquerque, NM-Uptown Sports Bar and Grill Great show, got to raise money for the New Mexico Wolfpack so they could go play in a bowl game!
DECEMBER
7 Rio Rancho, NM-The Damn Bar Got to perform on a show with my wife, Caitlin! She had such a great set, took command of the stage and rocked it. She was so happy. I didn't do that well, but felt great for her.
14-15 Ft. Worth, TX-Hyenas James Morrow and I took a road trip out to Texas and had a blast. Ben Creed was the headliner for the weekend, he's one of the best. I hadn't worked with him in years! Still funny as hell. New club was fun.
20-22 Dallas, TX-Hyenas Had a fun time working with Aaron Aryanpur, who had just won the Funniest Comic in Texas contest. Paul Varghese came in for guest sets, too, great lineups.
31 Albuquerque, NM-Artbar This was the first year I wasn't booked for a NYE gig since like 2007. I was at the show hanging out enjoying the entertainment and one of the comics couldn't make it, so I filled in. I was pretty wasted, and it wasn't the best set up for stand-up comedy, but it was fun. The Red Light Cameras were awesome, too!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Ron Ferguson headlines 405 Lounge Wednesday July 25 at 830
With Laffs Comedy Club closing down a few years ago, not many nationally touring comics have stopped through the Duke City. But this week, we are lucky enough to have one of my favorite comics and good friend, Ron Ferguson in town. He will be headlining at the 405 Lounge downtown at 830 on Wednesday night, tickets are only 5 bucks at the door. Part of the proceeds will go to children who lost their parent or parents in the Aurora shooting this past weekend, which is where Ron is from.
Ron is a regular at the world famous Comedy Works in Denver, and has shared the stage with such heavyweights as Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle and Chelsea Handler. He currently tours with Pablo Francisco, but is taking a week off to come hang out in Albuquerque. Check out Ron's website also, you can catch a video or two of his on youtube if you want, but live comedy is the way to go, so get your asses to the show.
Also joining Ferguson on stage will be local comics Ariel Holmes, Sarah Mowrey, Rusty Rutherford, and Curt Fletcher (me!)
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Curt Fletcher Update
I haven't blogged in over a month, been super busy, but it's spring break and I've had a couple days off!! Very excited about that. Here's a run down on some shows I've done and some other stuff that's been going on and what's going to go on!
February 4-Taos, NM-Casa de los Cordovas
I headlined a show in Taos for my buddy, Anthony "Animal" Garcia. The show was at his uncle's restaurant, who also happens to be the mayor of Taos. The place was packed! Anthony kicked off the show, followed by Joe Quesada, Eddie Tafoya and myself. Everybody kicked ass, the crowd was amazing. I have never done a show in a restaurant that had a crowd like that, it had a comedy club feel to it, it was great. I wish you could have been there, but you weren't, so get over it. Fun night!
February 25-Albuquerque, NM-The Press Room
Headlined a show at the Press Room, which used to be Jokers Pub. We used to have an open mic at Jokers several years ago. It was a pretty trashy biker bar back then. When I walked in I was pretty shocked at the transformation. They had knocked down the walls and made it one big room. They also got rid of the pool tables, which can ruin a comedy show. The place was standing room only for the UFC fights, but we had probably about 50 stick around for the comedy show. The fights ran pretty long, so it was a long night. I hit the stage at about 1 am, which is fine with me as long as people are still having a good time, and they were! Todd Badolato put the show together and hosted, he did a great job! I got to see a new comic I hadn't seen yet, Smitty, he was very funny. I think he's got a lot of potential. Also got to see Ann Gora, Andrew Harms and Keith Breckenridge tear it up! It was a fun night.
March 3-Albuquerque, NM-The Box
Headlined a show at The Box downtown, one of favorite spots in town. We went to the improv show before the comedy show. Lots of talented people in that show, it was fun to watch. I've been getting into improv a lot lately since my wife if taking a class through Blackout Theatre. She has her first show March 23 at Tech Love, be there! The comedy show at the Box was fun, got to perform with the Sarahs, (Mowery and Kennedy), John Cuellar, and Patrick Gozur, who was also in the improv show, funny kid! I didn't have the best set, I was fighting a cold and didn't have any energy, but I did the best I could and had fun!
March 5-Albuquerque, NM-Talking Fountain
My buddies from Denver,Sam Tallent, Chris Charpentier, Nathan Lund, and Bobby Crane, were passing through town on their 2 week tour and invited me to do a set at the Talking Fountain. Once again, I wasn't feeling well, so I just popped in and did a quick 5 minute set. Sam, Chris, Nathan and Bobby were always fun to watch when I lived in Denver. It was fun to see them performing here in Albuquerque. Those are some talented fellas. After the show we went to Mike Long's place and hung out. When everyone decided to pass out we went over to Rusty Rutherford's place. We were planning on just taking a quick shot and heading out, but that's not what happened. We hung out and joked around quite a bit. Joe Quesada ended up lighting himself on fire about four times and Rusty decided to shave his head at 230 in the morning, not the best idea since he lives above the Holocaust museum. I asked him if he had ever shaved his head with a razor, so we did that. Pretty funny times.
March 6-Albuquerque, NM-Wool Warehouse "The After After Party" taping
I was invited back for my third performance on "The After After Party" with Steven Michael Quezada. I was a little nervous because I had used a bulk of my best material on the first two performances, but I put together some clean jokes that I liked and went out and did my set. Got a pretty nice response, even had a few people say that was my best performance on the show thus far, which was pretty cool. I also got to meet some really cool people! The band Music is the Enemy was super cool and rocked when they were on the show. I had never heard of them before, can't wait to check out a show! On my episode was the band, Reblit, who I had actually seen before, and if anyone's ever been to the Sunshine Theatre they have probably seen their drummer there. Those guys were really cool, too, really down to earth. The band on the third episode of the night was Gonzalo. I only caught a bit of their set, but Gonzalo was super cool and pretty humorous. I just heard today that the AAP was picked up by NBC here in New Mexico and will air on Saturday nights after SNL, which is awesome!! They're also going to be worldwide on www.askmilton.tv And like always, The James Douglas Show kicked a ton of ass, if you haven't seen them yet, do yourself a favor and see a show!
The other day there was a bit of a ruckus in Albuquerque with the traffic. The main roads were all blocked off which made it a tough day for people to get to work on time, it didn't have an effect on me at all. A few people had told me that someone had stolen a school bus and I didn't think much of it, what a crazy lunatic right? I was sitting in my kitchen and my sister came in and gave me an update on the stolen bus, she said the guy's name was Nathaniel Shipman. As soon as I heard the name I kind of freaked out a bit. About ten years ago I worked with Nate Shipman at Pizza Hut and Papa John's, he was just a young high school kid back then. He was a good kid, just trying to fit in. He would always come over to our house parties and shit, I always liked him. Apparently, the past few years have been pretty rough on him, he's been homeless, been on drugs and he's lost a lot of weight. I didn't even recognize his picture from the news, didn't even look like the old Nate that I knew. Maybe some time in jail will straighten the dude out, I always liked him, but shit happens. His mom was on the news feeling bad for people who could have potentially harmed, but she might be a little to blame on this one. I guess I don't really know their situation, but Nate was always a good kid, and she kind of abandoned him when she got re-married.
In a couple of weeks, I get to go to Atlanta to perform at the Laughing Skull Festival. I'm pretty excited, I haven't spent much time in Atlanta, just at the airport. And in those brief minutes I did meet Doug Stanhope, kind of. I was running late for a flight and I saw him so I ran up to him and yelled, "Hey! Doug Stanhope!" Then I shook his hand and ran off, missed my flight, but there was another one heading to Denver not long after that, so I eventually got home. Fun story. And for some reason my links button isn't working on here, so that kind of sucks.
February 4-Taos, NM-Casa de los Cordovas
I headlined a show in Taos for my buddy, Anthony "Animal" Garcia. The show was at his uncle's restaurant, who also happens to be the mayor of Taos. The place was packed! Anthony kicked off the show, followed by Joe Quesada, Eddie Tafoya and myself. Everybody kicked ass, the crowd was amazing. I have never done a show in a restaurant that had a crowd like that, it had a comedy club feel to it, it was great. I wish you could have been there, but you weren't, so get over it. Fun night!
February 25-Albuquerque, NM-The Press Room
Headlined a show at the Press Room, which used to be Jokers Pub. We used to have an open mic at Jokers several years ago. It was a pretty trashy biker bar back then. When I walked in I was pretty shocked at the transformation. They had knocked down the walls and made it one big room. They also got rid of the pool tables, which can ruin a comedy show. The place was standing room only for the UFC fights, but we had probably about 50 stick around for the comedy show. The fights ran pretty long, so it was a long night. I hit the stage at about 1 am, which is fine with me as long as people are still having a good time, and they were! Todd Badolato put the show together and hosted, he did a great job! I got to see a new comic I hadn't seen yet, Smitty, he was very funny. I think he's got a lot of potential. Also got to see Ann Gora, Andrew Harms and Keith Breckenridge tear it up! It was a fun night.
March 3-Albuquerque, NM-The Box
Headlined a show at The Box downtown, one of favorite spots in town. We went to the improv show before the comedy show. Lots of talented people in that show, it was fun to watch. I've been getting into improv a lot lately since my wife if taking a class through Blackout Theatre. She has her first show March 23 at Tech Love, be there! The comedy show at the Box was fun, got to perform with the Sarahs, (Mowery and Kennedy), John Cuellar, and Patrick Gozur, who was also in the improv show, funny kid! I didn't have the best set, I was fighting a cold and didn't have any energy, but I did the best I could and had fun!
March 5-Albuquerque, NM-Talking Fountain
My buddies from Denver,Sam Tallent, Chris Charpentier, Nathan Lund, and Bobby Crane, were passing through town on their 2 week tour and invited me to do a set at the Talking Fountain. Once again, I wasn't feeling well, so I just popped in and did a quick 5 minute set. Sam, Chris, Nathan and Bobby were always fun to watch when I lived in Denver. It was fun to see them performing here in Albuquerque. Those are some talented fellas. After the show we went to Mike Long's place and hung out. When everyone decided to pass out we went over to Rusty Rutherford's place. We were planning on just taking a quick shot and heading out, but that's not what happened. We hung out and joked around quite a bit. Joe Quesada ended up lighting himself on fire about four times and Rusty decided to shave his head at 230 in the morning, not the best idea since he lives above the Holocaust museum. I asked him if he had ever shaved his head with a razor, so we did that. Pretty funny times.
March 6-Albuquerque, NM-Wool Warehouse "The After After Party" taping
I was invited back for my third performance on "The After After Party" with Steven Michael Quezada. I was a little nervous because I had used a bulk of my best material on the first two performances, but I put together some clean jokes that I liked and went out and did my set. Got a pretty nice response, even had a few people say that was my best performance on the show thus far, which was pretty cool. I also got to meet some really cool people! The band Music is the Enemy was super cool and rocked when they were on the show. I had never heard of them before, can't wait to check out a show! On my episode was the band, Reblit, who I had actually seen before, and if anyone's ever been to the Sunshine Theatre they have probably seen their drummer there. Those guys were really cool, too, really down to earth. The band on the third episode of the night was Gonzalo. I only caught a bit of their set, but Gonzalo was super cool and pretty humorous. I just heard today that the AAP was picked up by NBC here in New Mexico and will air on Saturday nights after SNL, which is awesome!! They're also going to be worldwide on www.askmilton.tv And like always, The James Douglas Show kicked a ton of ass, if you haven't seen them yet, do yourself a favor and see a show!
The other day there was a bit of a ruckus in Albuquerque with the traffic. The main roads were all blocked off which made it a tough day for people to get to work on time, it didn't have an effect on me at all. A few people had told me that someone had stolen a school bus and I didn't think much of it, what a crazy lunatic right? I was sitting in my kitchen and my sister came in and gave me an update on the stolen bus, she said the guy's name was Nathaniel Shipman. As soon as I heard the name I kind of freaked out a bit. About ten years ago I worked with Nate Shipman at Pizza Hut and Papa John's, he was just a young high school kid back then. He was a good kid, just trying to fit in. He would always come over to our house parties and shit, I always liked him. Apparently, the past few years have been pretty rough on him, he's been homeless, been on drugs and he's lost a lot of weight. I didn't even recognize his picture from the news, didn't even look like the old Nate that I knew. Maybe some time in jail will straighten the dude out, I always liked him, but shit happens. His mom was on the news feeling bad for people who could have potentially harmed, but she might be a little to blame on this one. I guess I don't really know their situation, but Nate was always a good kid, and she kind of abandoned him when she got re-married.
In a couple of weeks, I get to go to Atlanta to perform at the Laughing Skull Festival. I'm pretty excited, I haven't spent much time in Atlanta, just at the airport. And in those brief minutes I did meet Doug Stanhope, kind of. I was running late for a flight and I saw him so I ran up to him and yelled, "Hey! Doug Stanhope!" Then I shook his hand and ran off, missed my flight, but there was another one heading to Denver not long after that, so I eventually got home. Fun story. And for some reason my links button isn't working on here, so that kind of sucks.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Open Letter to Stephen HA(ck) HA(ck) Hunt
Here's the letter which will explain why my name will be slandered all over town starting as soon as Stephen reads this.
I received a couple of text messages from Stephen Hunt today that read:
-So ur doing a show sat for 7 bucks with Todd douchbag alatoe? That kind of kills my ability to sell tickets to see u on a thur for ten bucks doesn't it?
-Funny every time I have asked about a sat show u have to close. Have fun with the fags.
Stephen,
First of all I want to let you know that I am doing YOU a favor by doing your show. I am a professional and I do not have to put up with harassment from a booker. Yes, I am doing a show for Todd Badolato; I trust that he advertised for his show and put together a professional production unlike your garden variety shows. The only reasons I take your gigs is because a.) I want stage time in Albuquerque, and b.) I feel sorry for you. As a booker, if that’s what you want to call yourself, it isn’t a very good idea to defame comics. I saw what you said about Todd for him merely improvising a little bit. It was wrong and I’m not going to get caught up in your nonsense. I don’t really care about your ability to sell tickets. Not my problem. You are asking too much anyway, who do you think you are? The comedy club didn’t even charge that much. Yes I do have to close Saturday nights pretty frequently. My schedule doesn’t revolve around your shows; it is more like if I happen to be off I will do it. I have to make a living, and it’s not going to be doing mediocre shows for ten people.
It is an abomination that you teach a comedy class. Maybe you should write a few punch lines for your hack premises. Maybe lose the dumb hats and the 2x4. You should be arrested for fraud, for teaching innocent people how to perform stand-up. Are you trying to scam people out of their money? And you have the nerve to criticize your own students. What is really sad, Stephen is some of your students on their first try were funnier than you are after doing it how long? Maybe your class really does work. And you have the nerve to talk shit about every comedian. You probably even talk about me behind my back. Maybe if you were a decent person some of the best talent in town would work for you. Instead you think you are better than everyone, when in reality you know nothing about the business. I am proud to say there is such camaraderie in the Albuquerque comedy scene; you are the only dividing factor. I am boycotting your shows and negativity. You give comedy in this town a bad name. Well I guess you get the idea, I will not be performing tomorrow night, I’m done. I don't work for you, I work for myself. Lose my number and contact info, you won't be needing it.
Curt Fletcher
I received a couple of text messages from Stephen Hunt today that read:
-So ur doing a show sat for 7 bucks with Todd douchbag alatoe? That kind of kills my ability to sell tickets to see u on a thur for ten bucks doesn't it?
-Funny every time I have asked about a sat show u have to close. Have fun with the fags.
Stephen,
First of all I want to let you know that I am doing YOU a favor by doing your show. I am a professional and I do not have to put up with harassment from a booker. Yes, I am doing a show for Todd Badolato; I trust that he advertised for his show and put together a professional production unlike your garden variety shows. The only reasons I take your gigs is because a.) I want stage time in Albuquerque, and b.) I feel sorry for you. As a booker, if that’s what you want to call yourself, it isn’t a very good idea to defame comics. I saw what you said about Todd for him merely improvising a little bit. It was wrong and I’m not going to get caught up in your nonsense. I don’t really care about your ability to sell tickets. Not my problem. You are asking too much anyway, who do you think you are? The comedy club didn’t even charge that much. Yes I do have to close Saturday nights pretty frequently. My schedule doesn’t revolve around your shows; it is more like if I happen to be off I will do it. I have to make a living, and it’s not going to be doing mediocre shows for ten people.
It is an abomination that you teach a comedy class. Maybe you should write a few punch lines for your hack premises. Maybe lose the dumb hats and the 2x4. You should be arrested for fraud, for teaching innocent people how to perform stand-up. Are you trying to scam people out of their money? And you have the nerve to criticize your own students. What is really sad, Stephen is some of your students on their first try were funnier than you are after doing it how long? Maybe your class really does work. And you have the nerve to talk shit about every comedian. You probably even talk about me behind my back. Maybe if you were a decent person some of the best talent in town would work for you. Instead you think you are better than everyone, when in reality you know nothing about the business. I am proud to say there is such camaraderie in the Albuquerque comedy scene; you are the only dividing factor. I am boycotting your shows and negativity. You give comedy in this town a bad name. Well I guess you get the idea, I will not be performing tomorrow night, I’m done. I don't work for you, I work for myself. Lose my number and contact info, you won't be needing it.
Curt Fletcher
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
institutionalized re write
This is the assignment I'm turning in, song would sound a lot different like this
Institutionalized-Suicidal Tendencies
Sitting and staring at the walls in my domicile thinking about everything and nothing, my mother enters my space. Unbeknownst to me she was there; she startled me when she called my name, “Mike, Mike!” “Yes mother, what is the matter” She replies, “what’s the matter with my son?” “Mother, be assured there is nothing wrong with your son.” “Do not tell me a fallacy; I fear that you are under the influence of an unknown narcotic” “no mother, narcotics? No, I’m just merely pondering. Would you kindly get me a soft drink?” She yells, “No, I fear that you are under the influence of an unknown narcotic! Civilized human beings do not act the way that you are currently presenting yourself.” “mother, please get me a soft drink, all that is wanted right now is a soft drink!” She refused to retrieve my beverage, all I craved was a soft drink, just one soft drink, and she wouldn’t budge, just one soft drink!
The attire selected is a plain white shirt with long sleeves tied around your back as if you’ve been incarcerated for burglary. You’re induced with narcotics due to the lethargy of the staff. The staff finds it too tiresome to assist the mentally unstable.
Institutionalized-Suicidal Tendencies
Sitting and staring at the walls in my domicile thinking about everything and nothing, my mother enters my space. Unbeknownst to me she was there; she startled me when she called my name, “Mike, Mike!” “Yes mother, what is the matter” She replies, “what’s the matter with my son?” “Mother, be assured there is nothing wrong with your son.” “Do not tell me a fallacy; I fear that you are under the influence of an unknown narcotic” “no mother, narcotics? No, I’m just merely pondering. Would you kindly get me a soft drink?” She yells, “No, I fear that you are under the influence of an unknown narcotic! Civilized human beings do not act the way that you are currently presenting yourself.” “mother, please get me a soft drink, all that is wanted right now is a soft drink!” She refused to retrieve my beverage, all I craved was a soft drink, just one soft drink, and she wouldn’t budge, just one soft drink!
The attire selected is a plain white shirt with long sleeves tied around your back as if you’ve been incarcerated for burglary. You’re induced with narcotics due to the lethargy of the staff. The staff finds it too tiresome to assist the mentally unstable.
Monday, January 9, 2012
2011 Recap
Now that 2011 is over and 2012 is upon us, I've decided to do a little recap of 2011. My wife and I moved back to Albuquerque in December 2010 and we've been living with my sister and my nephew. We were crammed into an apartment for the first part of the year, but now we're renting a house on the Westside of Albuquerque.
I didn't do as much stand-up as I have done in 2009-2010, I decided to get a job and make some money and get caught with bills and wanted to go back to school. Caitlin and I just started at CNM, our first day was today!! It was crazy getting back in the classroom after ten years.
I performed at some of my favorite comedy clubs Hyenas-Dallas and Fort Worth, Loonees-Colorado Springs, Wits End-Westminster, CO, Laffs Comedy Club-Tucson, and even worked a new club Fat Daddy's Comedy Club in Sioux Falls, SD. I even headlined my first club, MinneHaHa Comedy Club in Shakopee, MN. I co-headlined Hyenas Dallas with Jake Sharon on January 1, too!
It's tough living in Albuquerque since there's no comedy club here and I don't get to see comics that I have known for years anymore. I really miss hanging out after the shows. I met some new comics I had never worked with before; Theo Von, Charlie Weiner, Mike Smith, Bil Dwyer, James P. Connolly, Rocky Whatule, Chris Porter, Claude Stuart and Spanky to name a few.
In May I filmed a set for "The After After Party" a late night talk show filmed here in Albuquerque with host Steven Michael Quezada, from "Breaking Bad." The episode I filmed also starred, The James Douglas Show and R.J. Mitte, also from "Breaking Bad." R.J. was really cool to hang out with before and after the taping, really down to earth.
In June some buddies and I drove out to Hollywood, I was part of a live dvd taping at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, thanks to my buddy, Dante! He was filming six different shows for dvd's he's putting together called, "Dante Presents." They will be done sometime early this year, can't wait to see them! Had a blast on that trip and Jay Leno was there filming, too.
In September I participated in the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, a huge comedy festival, about 150 comics were there that week. Saw a lot of people I hadn't seen in awhile and met some bookers. Didn't have the best show while I was there, but still had a blast.
In October I found out that I made it into the first round of the Laughing Skull Festival as well. I have been accepting for every festival that I've auditioned for which makes me feel pretty good! I did a corporate gig in October that didn't make me feel very good. I almost got my balls chopped off by a dumb redneck read about it here.
Spent the last couple months getting ready for school and not doing many shows at all. I've been trying to write new material for next year, I really need to make some changes in my comedy if I want to make it to the "next level." I think if I work a little harder I can do it! 2012 I won't be doing as many shows either, but I'm trying to fill my calendar for the summer while I take a few months off of school. So if you know anyone that needs a comic this summer hit me up! My dates are on my website www.funnyfletcher.com
Hope everyone has a great 2012! My resolution is to cut out all the filler from my act and my life and just be solid! I think going to school will really help my stand-up act.
I didn't do as much stand-up as I have done in 2009-2010, I decided to get a job and make some money and get caught with bills and wanted to go back to school. Caitlin and I just started at CNM, our first day was today!! It was crazy getting back in the classroom after ten years.
I performed at some of my favorite comedy clubs Hyenas-Dallas and Fort Worth, Loonees-Colorado Springs, Wits End-Westminster, CO, Laffs Comedy Club-Tucson, and even worked a new club Fat Daddy's Comedy Club in Sioux Falls, SD. I even headlined my first club, MinneHaHa Comedy Club in Shakopee, MN. I co-headlined Hyenas Dallas with Jake Sharon on January 1, too!
It's tough living in Albuquerque since there's no comedy club here and I don't get to see comics that I have known for years anymore. I really miss hanging out after the shows. I met some new comics I had never worked with before; Theo Von, Charlie Weiner, Mike Smith, Bil Dwyer, James P. Connolly, Rocky Whatule, Chris Porter, Claude Stuart and Spanky to name a few.
In May I filmed a set for "The After After Party" a late night talk show filmed here in Albuquerque with host Steven Michael Quezada, from "Breaking Bad." The episode I filmed also starred, The James Douglas Show and R.J. Mitte, also from "Breaking Bad." R.J. was really cool to hang out with before and after the taping, really down to earth.
In June some buddies and I drove out to Hollywood, I was part of a live dvd taping at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, thanks to my buddy, Dante! He was filming six different shows for dvd's he's putting together called, "Dante Presents." They will be done sometime early this year, can't wait to see them! Had a blast on that trip and Jay Leno was there filming, too.
In September I participated in the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, a huge comedy festival, about 150 comics were there that week. Saw a lot of people I hadn't seen in awhile and met some bookers. Didn't have the best show while I was there, but still had a blast.
In October I found out that I made it into the first round of the Laughing Skull Festival as well. I have been accepting for every festival that I've auditioned for which makes me feel pretty good! I did a corporate gig in October that didn't make me feel very good. I almost got my balls chopped off by a dumb redneck read about it here.
Spent the last couple months getting ready for school and not doing many shows at all. I've been trying to write new material for next year, I really need to make some changes in my comedy if I want to make it to the "next level." I think if I work a little harder I can do it! 2012 I won't be doing as many shows either, but I'm trying to fill my calendar for the summer while I take a few months off of school. So if you know anyone that needs a comic this summer hit me up! My dates are on my website www.funnyfletcher.com
Hope everyone has a great 2012! My resolution is to cut out all the filler from my act and my life and just be solid! I think going to school will really help my stand-up act.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wits End NYE
I am very excited for New Years week this year, as I am every year. It's a great week for comics, the pay is a little higher, and it's a lot of fun. The only thing that sucks is not ringing in the new year with my wife. She was able to go with me to Tucson a couple years ago.
I've been lucky enough to perform on NYE the last four years, Laffs in Albuquerque, Laffs in Tucson, Hyena's in Dallas, and this year Wits End in Westminster, CO! I'll be performing with a guy named Spanky, aka the Laff Guru. I've never seen Spanky, but I've heard great things about him. Should be a lot of fun, he seems like a really nice guy.
I really miss Denver a lot. We lived up there for a year and a half, and met a lot of cool people. They have a great comedy scene up there, one of the best in the country. I wouldn't mind living there again at some point.
I've been doing mostly local shows lately, haven't been on the road since October. There's a new open mic at Allure Nightclub, it's fairly new, but last week we had about 20 comics there! Not bad since there's another open mic the same night at a different spot. The scene keeps getting bigger and better in Albuquerque, it's fun to be a part of it. I checked out my first improv show at the Box Theater a couple weeks ago, that was a blast! One of the funnest shows I've been to in a long time. I've only done improv once at Laffs during X-Mas week and I was awful.
Wednesday night was the one year anniversary show for AnarKomedy at Low Spirits. They had a lot of talent on that night, but the show lasted forever. I didn't hit the stage until 12:45. Got some laughs, but I was exhausted, and the next day at work sucked! Vertigo Venus kicked a lot of ass though, check them out. For some reason the link button isn't on my blog right now, www.vertigovenus.com
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
August 5, 2001
Earlier today, my wife, Caitlin, told me to read Jay Wendell Walker's blog about how he started comedy over 50 years ago. Here's a link to the blog he wrote, Jay's blog.
I've worked with Jay before at Laffs in Albuquerque, and even did a show with him in Mescalero, New Mexico, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. He flew into Albuquerque, so we picked him up and drove him down to Mescalero for the show. The show was kind of a wreck, they didn't have anyone to run the show, so Jay did the off stage announcements and brought me up. Show wasn't the greatest, but we had fun. We had a show the next couple nights in the Albuquerque area. Jay's one of the nicest guys in the business. His wife traveled with him to Laffs one time and was very sweet. She even helped the waitstaff clean the tables in between shows.
In Jay's blog he mentioned how he parked Billy Tipton's car six nights a week and asked Billy how to get into comedy. I decided to google Billy's name, because I had never heard of "him." Billy was actually born a woman, but decided to live life as a man to be a musician.
Here's the story on how I started stand-up comedy. At a young age, I used to always sneak out of my bedroom and go into the living room where my mom would be watching tv. Some nights she would be watching comedy on HBO, her favorites were George Carlin and Eddie Murphy. I would stand behind the couch, she had no idea that I was there. I had no idea what the jokes meant, but I loved watching my mom laugh. There was something about watching her laugh that made me want to be a comedian. My mom always tells a story about me, as a four-year-old, with my little Beaver Cleaver style jacket and ball cap and a little suitcase leaving the house. When she heard the door open she ran in and saw me walking out the door. She asked, "where do you think you're going?" I said, "I'm going to New York to be a comedian and live with George Carlin." And you know how parents are, they never let you do anything, so I was stuck in Goldfield, Iowa.
Fast forward to 2001. I was living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I finally got to move out on my own! I was living with two buddies of mine, Larry Campbell and Nate Guyre. I met Larry working at Pizza Hut, and I met Nate through Larry, I think they worked together at a pizza place. In April 2001, we were all working at different pizza places. I was working at Pizza Hut, Larry was at Papa John's and Nate was at Poppi's Pizza, a local pizza place that I ended up working at a few years later. Our house was always stocked with pizza, sodas, napkins, and other random stuff you could find at those pizza places.
The day that Nate moved in we had a pretty wicked party. We estimated about 75 people there, and we only knew maybe 25 of the people. Our friends, AnesthesiA, came by to play a set. They didn't get too far into their set before the cops showed up. I do remember them playing an awesome Pantera medley, they combined three or four Pantera songs into one! When the cops arrived I was standing right by the door holding a beer. I also had a Denver Broncos beanie on and a giant Garfield clock around my neck. I was "Fletcha Flave!"
I invited the cops in, and even offered them drinks. Pretty stupid. The cops booted everyone out and AnesthesiA had to pull the plug. None of us got in any trouble though, which was awesome, and all of the people we didn't know ended up leaving. About half an hour all of our friends were back. AnesthesiA had all of their equipment still set up but we all decided it would be a bad idea if they started jamming again. I had been telling eveyone that I was going to start doing stand up, so they decided to throw me the mic. I hadn't really written any jokes at that point, but I was drunk so I decided to fuck around and make fun of some people. I think I did that for about 10 minutes, got some laughs, then went back to drinking.
The next day I couldn't stop thinking about doing stand up. I decided to get a hold of one of my best friends from back in Iowa, Matt Evans. Matt is one of the funniest guys I know to do this day, and I was always trying to make him laugh when I was younger. He was six years older than me, he was like an older brother to me. He told me he would help me work on some material for my first open mic. I decided to look up info on the local comedy club, Laffs Comedy Club. They had open mic on the first Sunday of the month. I decided August 5th would be my date to perform. That gave me a few months to get together a five minute set. I started working on my own material, and Matt had written a few things as well. I was writing shorter jokes and Matt was writing bits. I took his bits and narrowed them down, because I didn't feel comfortable telling longer bits, they were harder to memorize.
As the day drew closer I was getting really nervous, but I had invited tons of friends. I probably would have bailed if I hadn't invited so many people. There was no way I could un-invite that many people. I noticed that M.O.D. was playing at the Launchpad that same night and I really wanted to see them! But, I decided, if I'm ever going to stand up comedy, I couldn't turn back.
August 5th finally arrived, I went through my jokes one more time, then watched "Man on the Moon." I grabbed my beanie and Garfield clock and headed down to Laffs. I had never even been to a comedy show in my life, so I had no idea what to expect. I was one of the first people to arrive. My friend, Charlie Cuaron, decided to sign me up on the list as Curtis E. Fletcher. I waited nervously for about an hour before the show. There were about 15-20 comics on the list for the night. I was on about the mid point through the show. I had about 35 of my friends show up, I was shocked how many came to support me, it was awesome. I watched the comics while going over my set over and over in my head, so I don't remember if any of them were funny at all. I do remember some of the comics, Oscar Solis, went up for the first time that night. We became really good friends after that. His brother, Erik, also went up, he was friends with my buddies from AnesthesiA. Freddy Charles, who was a veteran comic who had a few tv credits went up to try some new material.
The emcee, Tuck O'Lay, finally called my name. I tried to pretend to be super confident, shaking some hands on the way to the stage. I bet I looked ridiculous in that beanie and the giant Garfield clock. I don't even remember what jokes I did that night, but I got some big laughs! I was shocked. I was also thinking that they were just laughing because most of them were my friends, but I saw people that I didn't know laughing at me, and that was a feeling that's hard to describe. After my set, which was probably closer to three minutes than five, I went and set with a few buddies. A lot of the comics came up and said nice things to me, even Freddy Charles said I was funny. That was huge to me!
After the show I was chatting with some friends and a long haired older guy came up to me and asked, "how long have you been doing stand up?" I said, "about three minutes." He was surprised that it was my first time performing. He said to keep it up and to lose the clock, I didn't need it, I was funny without it. The guy was Darryl Rhoades, he was the headliner at Laffs that night at the professional show after the open mic. Darryl's been doing stand up for a long time, he's a good guy, I've got to know him pretty well over the years.
As I was leaving the club a guy approached me and handed me a business card, he said, "give me a call Thursday." He shook my hand and walked off. As I walking out to the parking lot I read the business card, it read, RUSS RIVAS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE BROOM OPERATOR. Russ was the owner of Laffs, and he thought I was funny, that was huge! I called him Thursday and he asked me to come down for a guest set that night or Sunday, I told him I'd come down Sunday, just so I would have more time to prepare. I had no idea what a guest set was. That next Sunday I did the same set and bombed. I thought I was finished after that and tried to avoid Russ after the show. He came up to me as I was leaving the club and said, "come back next Sunday, do the same set." Two of my first three shows were guest sets at the professional shows at Laffs. I got to perform with Danny Villalpando and Brian Bradley. I felt pretty good about myself after that, especially after bombing twice in a row.
Maybe I'll never make it big, or get to do it full time again, but I've performed in over 20 states! I've performed in some weird places, like a campground in Northern Wisconsin, a barn in South Dakota, and on a homemade trailer at a winery in Angel Fire, New Mexico. A lot has happened in the last 10 years, I hope to be doing comedy as long as Jay Wendell Walker.
I've worked with Jay before at Laffs in Albuquerque, and even did a show with him in Mescalero, New Mexico, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. He flew into Albuquerque, so we picked him up and drove him down to Mescalero for the show. The show was kind of a wreck, they didn't have anyone to run the show, so Jay did the off stage announcements and brought me up. Show wasn't the greatest, but we had fun. We had a show the next couple nights in the Albuquerque area. Jay's one of the nicest guys in the business. His wife traveled with him to Laffs one time and was very sweet. She even helped the waitstaff clean the tables in between shows.
In Jay's blog he mentioned how he parked Billy Tipton's car six nights a week and asked Billy how to get into comedy. I decided to google Billy's name, because I had never heard of "him." Billy was actually born a woman, but decided to live life as a man to be a musician.
It was a lot easier for a man than a woman back then. A turning point in Billy's life came in 1958. He had his own trio and a growing reputation, and a new hotel in Reno wanted to hire his group as its house band. He seemed on the verge of, if not the big time, at least a fairly high-profile career. But Billy declined. Instead he took a job as a booking agent in Spokane, Washington, playing music on the side. Middlebrook thinks he feared fame would lead to discovery and decided he'd gone as far as he dared.I guess if Billy had went on to Reno, maybe Jay would have never started comedy. But, I'm glad he did!
Here's the story on how I started stand-up comedy. At a young age, I used to always sneak out of my bedroom and go into the living room where my mom would be watching tv. Some nights she would be watching comedy on HBO, her favorites were George Carlin and Eddie Murphy. I would stand behind the couch, she had no idea that I was there. I had no idea what the jokes meant, but I loved watching my mom laugh. There was something about watching her laugh that made me want to be a comedian. My mom always tells a story about me, as a four-year-old, with my little Beaver Cleaver style jacket and ball cap and a little suitcase leaving the house. When she heard the door open she ran in and saw me walking out the door. She asked, "where do you think you're going?" I said, "I'm going to New York to be a comedian and live with George Carlin." And you know how parents are, they never let you do anything, so I was stuck in Goldfield, Iowa.
Fast forward to 2001. I was living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I finally got to move out on my own! I was living with two buddies of mine, Larry Campbell and Nate Guyre. I met Larry working at Pizza Hut, and I met Nate through Larry, I think they worked together at a pizza place. In April 2001, we were all working at different pizza places. I was working at Pizza Hut, Larry was at Papa John's and Nate was at Poppi's Pizza, a local pizza place that I ended up working at a few years later. Our house was always stocked with pizza, sodas, napkins, and other random stuff you could find at those pizza places.
The day that Nate moved in we had a pretty wicked party. We estimated about 75 people there, and we only knew maybe 25 of the people. Our friends, AnesthesiA, came by to play a set. They didn't get too far into their set before the cops showed up. I do remember them playing an awesome Pantera medley, they combined three or four Pantera songs into one! When the cops arrived I was standing right by the door holding a beer. I also had a Denver Broncos beanie on and a giant Garfield clock around my neck. I was "Fletcha Flave!"
I invited the cops in, and even offered them drinks. Pretty stupid. The cops booted everyone out and AnesthesiA had to pull the plug. None of us got in any trouble though, which was awesome, and all of the people we didn't know ended up leaving. About half an hour all of our friends were back. AnesthesiA had all of their equipment still set up but we all decided it would be a bad idea if they started jamming again. I had been telling eveyone that I was going to start doing stand up, so they decided to throw me the mic. I hadn't really written any jokes at that point, but I was drunk so I decided to fuck around and make fun of some people. I think I did that for about 10 minutes, got some laughs, then went back to drinking.
The next day I couldn't stop thinking about doing stand up. I decided to get a hold of one of my best friends from back in Iowa, Matt Evans. Matt is one of the funniest guys I know to do this day, and I was always trying to make him laugh when I was younger. He was six years older than me, he was like an older brother to me. He told me he would help me work on some material for my first open mic. I decided to look up info on the local comedy club, Laffs Comedy Club. They had open mic on the first Sunday of the month. I decided August 5th would be my date to perform. That gave me a few months to get together a five minute set. I started working on my own material, and Matt had written a few things as well. I was writing shorter jokes and Matt was writing bits. I took his bits and narrowed them down, because I didn't feel comfortable telling longer bits, they were harder to memorize.
As the day drew closer I was getting really nervous, but I had invited tons of friends. I probably would have bailed if I hadn't invited so many people. There was no way I could un-invite that many people. I noticed that M.O.D. was playing at the Launchpad that same night and I really wanted to see them! But, I decided, if I'm ever going to stand up comedy, I couldn't turn back.
August 5th finally arrived, I went through my jokes one more time, then watched "Man on the Moon." I grabbed my beanie and Garfield clock and headed down to Laffs. I had never even been to a comedy show in my life, so I had no idea what to expect. I was one of the first people to arrive. My friend, Charlie Cuaron, decided to sign me up on the list as Curtis E. Fletcher. I waited nervously for about an hour before the show. There were about 15-20 comics on the list for the night. I was on about the mid point through the show. I had about 35 of my friends show up, I was shocked how many came to support me, it was awesome. I watched the comics while going over my set over and over in my head, so I don't remember if any of them were funny at all. I do remember some of the comics, Oscar Solis, went up for the first time that night. We became really good friends after that. His brother, Erik, also went up, he was friends with my buddies from AnesthesiA. Freddy Charles, who was a veteran comic who had a few tv credits went up to try some new material.
The emcee, Tuck O'Lay, finally called my name. I tried to pretend to be super confident, shaking some hands on the way to the stage. I bet I looked ridiculous in that beanie and the giant Garfield clock. I don't even remember what jokes I did that night, but I got some big laughs! I was shocked. I was also thinking that they were just laughing because most of them were my friends, but I saw people that I didn't know laughing at me, and that was a feeling that's hard to describe. After my set, which was probably closer to three minutes than five, I went and set with a few buddies. A lot of the comics came up and said nice things to me, even Freddy Charles said I was funny. That was huge to me!
After the show I was chatting with some friends and a long haired older guy came up to me and asked, "how long have you been doing stand up?" I said, "about three minutes." He was surprised that it was my first time performing. He said to keep it up and to lose the clock, I didn't need it, I was funny without it. The guy was Darryl Rhoades, he was the headliner at Laffs that night at the professional show after the open mic. Darryl's been doing stand up for a long time, he's a good guy, I've got to know him pretty well over the years.
As I was leaving the club a guy approached me and handed me a business card, he said, "give me a call Thursday." He shook my hand and walked off. As I walking out to the parking lot I read the business card, it read, RUSS RIVAS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE BROOM OPERATOR. Russ was the owner of Laffs, and he thought I was funny, that was huge! I called him Thursday and he asked me to come down for a guest set that night or Sunday, I told him I'd come down Sunday, just so I would have more time to prepare. I had no idea what a guest set was. That next Sunday I did the same set and bombed. I thought I was finished after that and tried to avoid Russ after the show. He came up to me as I was leaving the club and said, "come back next Sunday, do the same set." Two of my first three shows were guest sets at the professional shows at Laffs. I got to perform with Danny Villalpando and Brian Bradley. I felt pretty good about myself after that, especially after bombing twice in a row.
Maybe I'll never make it big, or get to do it full time again, but I've performed in over 20 states! I've performed in some weird places, like a campground in Northern Wisconsin, a barn in South Dakota, and on a homemade trailer at a winery in Angel Fire, New Mexico. A lot has happened in the last 10 years, I hope to be doing comedy as long as Jay Wendell Walker.
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