Two Out of Three of My Holy Grails
In my mind there are three historical or significantly famous comedy clubs in LA. I’m sure that I’m wrong on some level and will be happily corrected about this from some dedicated local LA comedians. I mean no disrespect. But you need to understand that I’m coming from New England where I have only heard of these places and the ones I’ve heard about most were, The World Famous Comedy Store, The Improv in Hollywood, and The Laugh Factory on Sunset. When I left New England it was these three clubs that were my holy grails of comedy clubs. I longed to play them and do well.
On Friday September 29, 2006 I played upstairs in the Belly Room at The World Famous Comedy Store, Louie Anderson was in the audience and a friend said he saw Billy Crystal milling around downstairs. I had an amazing time. The room was jammed with people and the crowd was hot. I have to give a shout out to the kind gentleman who booked me, Jerome Cleary. Thanks man! I had a freaking blast! And oh yeah, we’ll be doing it again for sure.
Then two nights later, October 1, 2006 I played the Improv. Playing this venue was and is especially sweet for me. The obvious reason, it’s the fucking IMPROV in Hollywood you jackass! Plus, it was exactly one year previous to that weekend that I was in LA checking out the city to see if I wanted to move here. During my stay a year earlier, I went to a show at the Improv with my friend Alexis. We saw Pablo Francisco, Lisa Lampinelli and many other major players that night. It was an all-star showcase that had me shaking in my boots. If by boots, I mean flip flops, California is warm people! I was so excited to see such huge talent in one place. I was also scared that I would never even make it far enough in the business to, well, play the Improv even on a newcomer night. I’ve never been so happy being wrong. I just played the Improv on Melrose in Hollywood. Thank you TK for liking my shit well enough to put me on! You freaking rock!
Both of these shows left me feeling like a true comedian. I was 90% happy with both of my sets at these venues. Considering my nerves and the diarreah, I felt like I brought my A game and I had a blast! Fucking WOW! These are two out of my three holy grails of comedy clubs. Trust me, I have other goals, but these were something to blog about.
I have so much gratitude for my crazy and amazing life.
If you read this, thanks.
Love you, mean it.
Ian
