I like going on stage early. I like going on stage last. I like going on stage during the check drop.Why? Because usually it's harder. When going up early, the crowd might not be ready or primed. They could be cold, or unsettled. If you're really funny, that won't matter. When going up last (typically in an open mic) the audience could be tired, drunk, still upset at an edgy joke a previous comic did. If you're really funny, that won't matter. And going up during the check drop is hard because typcially each audience member is trying to figure out how to screw the other people in their party by not paying all that they owe. OK, here being funny doesn't always help, because I've seen pros loose audiences here, but they usually can get their attention back.Last night I mentioned that I like going up first. I really feel that I am a solid opener. Adam put me up first tonight, and sadly I didn't live up to my expectations. I'm really working on the [Up 2 the Challange] bit, and I want my [Walmart Returns] bit to succeed. I think both of those could become "perminent" jokes which is exciting. Anyway, my set wasn't bad, but I really wanted to start the show off with a bang. Peaks and Valleys, I know, peaks and valleys. Kevin White and I were talking about delivery and one idea came up that I really need to keep in mind. Don't concentrate on what you want to say, concentrate on how to say something so that the audience relates/understands. I mean this; if you concentrate on using a specific phrase, you might not realize the audience isn't into your joke about Ultimate Fighting Championship. If you know, however, that your audience is a little worn out, you might need to be more excited about being there with them. Suddenly the UFC is getting the attention it deserves.
Anyway, I'm off for the next couple nights unless the Marcus-phone rings and Commissioner Gordon or Police Chief O'Hara need a laugh.
Nascar has a new ad campaign with Nascar Driver Kurt Busch. Their slogan is "Up 2 the challange?" Why don't they just come out and say it: "Drink and Drive: we triple dog dare you. Beer companies shouldn't be allowed to endorse sports, because being drunk doesn't help with sports. Beer companies should have to stick with endorsing stuff that being drunk helps with: like misdameaners and humping ugly people. Their new slogan could be "Miller Light: helping you steal crap from Wal-Mart since 1938.