Southern Rejuvenation

(Wonder Comedy, ATL)

I got back yesterday from a 2 week jaunt down south slam packed with great shows. Imho, doing shows town to town for crowds of people who aren’t there by accident, and in indy venues that allow you to set the tone of the room…that’s the purest comedy freebase there is. Yer not some guy that’s comin through the Giggle Emporium that weekend, your name is what they’re coming to see and it’s on you to bring that professionalism & value to your name for it to mean anything. It’s a much more intimate experience and the best way to build an actual following. Really it’s the realest a comedy show can be, and it makes you the most on top of your game. 

(Star Bar, ATL)

 I was so impressed with scenes all around the south that are diligent with a DIY approach to producing comedy shows that show people just how good they can be. The clubs either play ball and help grow the scene (ie Zanies Nashville), or get left in the dust trying to govern the whole scene (Comedy Catch in ‘Nooga) . I’m very proud of my hometown of ATL and the comics there making shit happen. I love all the youngins who’re stoked on comedy for the right reasons. I love seeing the big fish set a high bar for the scene itself, just like when I was there with the group of monsters I came up with.

(Highland Inn Ballroom, ATL)

 I’ve been doin this for about a dozen years and I have to say that it only gets better/more fun to do. I know it’s sorta cool to be embarrassed that you do comedy, and like you’re so over it or something; but I feel quite the opposite and I feel sorry for ya if ya only get so much out of it. Don’t ever be embarrassed to nerd out with other comics, or revel in a great show. Let the jaded get faded. Get better than anyone would expect of you, and save the networky talk for general meetings/yer mom. That’s what makes the southern killers in comedy stick out, aside from noticeable chops: setting a higher bar, and then setting another. 

(JJ’s Bohemia, Chattanooga)

 Big thanks to the scenes and Fandy’s of Chattanooga, Huntsville, Nashville, Memphis, and ATL. I love to see the endless hustle that goes without saying among the comics that set the bar down there. It ain’t an accident that my ATLien-NYC transplant fam are all funnier than the comics from your home scene 😎

(Epic Comedy Hour, Huntsville)