Doin' the Dirtbag

Haven't posted in a while, and people are starting to ask why. No reason, really -- nothing's wrong. I just haven't felt inspired. (The way it usually works is, I'll be struck by an idea and think, "This would make a good blog to write about." That hasn't happened, so... I haven't.)

I guess I'll backtrack to that show I did two weeks ago in Pacific Beach, since I never gave it a proper recap and some of you inquired as to how it went.

It was really, really, really, really fun. The show, at a clothing store called Dirtbag, has no good reason to be a success. For one thing, it's in a clothing store, and tiny one at that. And for another, most of the regular comics (all straight boys) have been doing stand-up for about three months. Ever watch comedy performed by people with three months under their belt? It's almost always fucking brutal.

And yet... the show is successful. In fact, I would hasten to say it's the best comedy show I've seen or performed in in this entire city. And I'm including the Comedy Store in La Jolla which... well, don't get me started on that place.

So the question is... why? The answer is simple and the same one I always give for why one comedy show works better than another: Because someone has taken the time and effort to produce it. In the case of the Dirtbag, that person is Doc, a squat muscly dude with long hair who looks like he should be driving a Harley (which he probably does). Doc has worked tirelessly on this show, holding auditions for comics, promoting and marketing the show, and creating a performance space that is cozy and unique while at the same time professional.

Before showtime, all the store's merchandise is cleared out, and tiny cocktail tables and chairs are set across the floor. The stage -- and there is one -- is professionally lit. A decent sound system has been installed. And, for the pièce de résistance, a puff of dry ice smoke serves as the red light to let comics know their time is up (something I find endlessly hilarious).

And then there are the comics -- truly some of the sweetest, kindest guys I have ever met. And also hot, which doesn't hurt. They treated me like a rock star (even feeding me Grey Goose vodka), and the best part of my set for me was hearing them laugh backstage. As I mentioned previously, they're mostly newbies, but the amazing thing is, they're really good. Funny, bright, and above all, likable on-stage, which is something you can't learn. And did I mention they're hot?

I'm returning to the Dirtbag this Saturday, May 30 to headline. A complete photo blog will follow.

Homo dirty. ♥