The Circle Of Comedy

Two years ago I attended my 10-year high school reunion at Tyson’s Biergarten. In between reliving the glory days, awkward small talk, and complaints regarding no open bar, I was scoping out where I would be spending 2-3 nights a week for the next couple of years... In that time, and many hours behind the scenes, we transformed a cool basement bar into the Northern Virginia mecca of comedy, Tysons Comedy Cellar. 

We built something great, and as a result, had a loyal fanbase, hosted hilarious comics, and had a small but steady stream of beef, drama, and bullshit. We gave local comics a platform and brought much-needed laughter for over 150 stand-up comedy shows. In my reflection, I’ve chosen to focus on the positives- my emotional state, gratitude, lessons learned, and musings on the future. (I’m saving the negatives for my mixtape).

I had no choice but to quickly process the venue closing down. Within 24 hours of being notified by the GM, I messaged 40+ comedians, emailed my distribution list, and shared the news on all the social media. Imagine you and your significant other broke up, and it was your job to tell everyone you knew about it right away. It really makes you embrace the truth.

The truth is, I’m feeling bittersweet. It was a great place, and I really loved what we built there, but I’ve also been burnt out for a while now. Taking time off to rest, recover and reflect sounds amazing. One weekly show is a ton of work when done right, and at one point I was running three! The work behind the scenes to manage TCC gave me a taste of what it’s like to run a comedy club, something I’d love to explore. I picked up skills in marketing and communication, audio and sound, booking strategy, talent evaluation, and how to run a show well. I learned a lot about my own preferences too- anything ranging from how to pair comics to what’s the best backpack pocket for each sound plug (yes it matters!). Regardless of what’s next for me, these skills are invaluable. As a comic, I gave myself a ton of stage time and continue to grow. In two years I went from an unsure comedic voice to headlining shows. I want to take a moment to thank myself for giving me these opportunities. ;)

Tysons Comedy Cellar was my baby, but it took a village to raise her. I want to give an extra special thanks to those folks who shared the burdens and successes:

• Scott Hall, my long lost adopted brother was the other founding half of Tysons Comedy Cellar. His social media shenanigans separated us from the pack early on, and he was a natural at hosting (since he didn’t have any jokes, boom roasted!) Having a quality host gave me some much-needed relief. We had a lot of great nights, along with nights where we questioned what we were doing. Scott often kept me from jumping off the ledge, but eventually left to go on a "spiritual journey", so I brought in Uncle Coop.
• Ralph Cooper, a disgruntled comedy vet, came in and was a beast of an MC. Ralph was great at setting the tone and booked/introduced me to a lot of funny folks which only made the shows better. Had a lot of good chats with Ralph that usually ended with, “well fuck them then.” He also taught me to be a little less hard on myself. #notadickjoke
• Sarah Beck, my little cousin that I can’t seem to get rid of. Her overzealousness to pursue comedy and to help out was infectious and helped me push past my own darkness.
• My Mom, who attended countless shows despite having to hop down the stairs. She took the second stand-up comedy 101 class we offered. Having my Mom pay me money to take my class then kill it at the graduation show was one of the most validating things to happen in my comedy career. Don’t worry, she got a discount.
• My girlfriend Jill, who isn’t on Facebook so I’m not sure why I’m writing this. She’s the most wonderful thing in my life and I couldn’t do all this without her having my back.
• The top to bottom support from TBG ownership/staff including my favorite bartenders, Ash, Kimmy, and Mischa. I spent a lot of time with those fine folks- fun to work with, good sounding boards, and great at getting people to stay for our shows.
• And of course, every comedian that graced our stage.

What’s next for me? I’m looking into working with TBG owners’ new locations come springtime, but in the meantime, I want to focus on being a comic again. Instead of waking up and obsessing (or avoiding) marketing, booking, or thinking about shows I want to jump back into the deep end of my material. I want to wrap up this phase of my life (and the associated jokes) and throw a pretty bow on top so I can move onto the next phase. So keep an eye out for my album in 2020. If anyone’s got some stage time (especially some longer sets) in February 2020 and beyond, give me a shout!

I honestly don’t know how to wrap up this post, or even want to. There’s a million thoughts swirling through my head, and once I hit post the ride is over. But, I think I’m ready, I said my goodbyes and thank you's last week on three separate occasions! Twice while closing out two great final shows, and another trip while retrieving my equipment. 

This trip turned out to be surprisingly nostalgic because it was during a private event, a high school reunion. My high school, two classes behind mine. With my backpack on, a mic stand in my hand, I grabbed one last drink while the reunion folks wondered who I was and why I was down there without a name tag. Then, I said goodbye and walked up those stairs one last time. And just like that, at a high school reunion in a basement bar carrying two wonderful years of memories, it was over.

​P.S. - Three hyperbolic lessons as a room runner:

1. Nobody draws, and 99% comics are laughably awful at promoting themselves. Do better people.
2. Divas are never worth it. If my options are to choose between an A level comic who’s a diva (annoying to deal with, shows up late, has attitude, might not feel like performing, etc) or a B comic that’s grateful to perform. I’m 100% going with B comic. 2 years ago I did not know that.
3. As an “indie producer” you always come second (at best) in terms of venue priorities. I’m never going to do this amount of work for a single venue again unless I’m an owner.