4 Then Interview: Danny Rouhier

In the 4 Then Interview series, DCC4N hopes to answer the question on many DC comic's minds..."What happens when I leave DC?" In this edition, Danny Rouhier "sits down" with us and talks about the ups and downs of getting stage time in New York and the benefits of starting out in a city like DC.

So what have you been up to since leaving DC?

I'm living on the lower east side of Manhattan. It's in New York. The other guys who moved up here don't live in New York. Looking right at you Ryan Conner of Jersey City. I've already had a lot of ups and downs since I've been here. The ups include performing at Carolines, a television show called 'The A List' on Animal Planet, starring in a pilot at the New York Television Festival, and winning a national sketch comedy competition and filming a sketch comedy pilot with Proctor & Gamble Productions. The downs include only performing once at Carolines and having no one email me back ever, my frustration at not being able to secure representation, not knowing that many people or where to go which makes getting stage time hard, and the fact that there are so many cash only places in New York; I like to just use my debit card.

[Hit the jump for more of Danny's interview]




When did you start doing stand up and where did you do your first open mic? How did it go? Who were the people you remember starting out with?

My first time doing standup was at Soho Tea & Coffee in Dupont Circle in October of 2004. At the time, I thought it went great and was hooked. In retrospect, I was probably atrocious.org and would have hated myself if my present self could see that version. I would also tell that version to break up with his current girlfriend because it wasn't going to last. Anyway, Jared Stern was there. I remember him being the nicest and most supportive guy. He still is. For the first couple months, I didn't realize that I wasn't really 'doing' standup. I would perform once every couple of weeks and invite all my friends. I didn't know that you had to work at it. It wasn't until I started hanging out with my boys Rory Scovel and Ryan Conner that I realized what this process was all about. Once I got going, along with those two guys, I met Justin Schlegel and Jon Mumma. We were all just starting out and kind of going through the same things. In that respect, I think we were lucky.

When did you decide it was time to leave DC?


There really wasn't one moment when I realized: 'I have to go now'. It had been in my mind for a while. I felt myself growing complacent in DC. I wasn't as hungry as I could have been. No one has a success story where they say: 'It was really easy and I didn't really have to work at it." Even the people that are really gifted; they still have to bust their butts. If I had to point to a specific time, it was probably after I had featured for Bill Burr at the Columbus Funnybone and had then spent 6 weeks featuring at the premier chain of comedy clubs in Canada. I just felt like there was more out there for me. There's 1 great club in DC and that's hard because everyone is in 1 line. This isn't to put down DC. Far from it. I love DC; it's my home and it always will be. I think DC is an amazing place to start one's career. I just felt that there was only so much I could do there. I was scared for so long to take the step back by moving to a new place. It became clear that I had to take that step back so I could finally go forward.

How did DC prepare you for NY?

DC prepared me by making me funny. I know it sounds simple (and probably arrogant) but it's true. I was able to get up a lot in DC. I was a regular at a lot of open mics; really good open mics that don't exist anywhere else in the country. I got to the point where, if you saw me, you had to say, at a minimum: 'this guy is ok'. That's a big deal. People that don't know you don't want to put new people on if they suck. It's easier to break in if you get your chance and do well. If you aren't ready, you can move to the back of the line and who knows when your next chance comes? The challenge for me is that I was comfortable in DC. I was at the top of a pile and didn't have to do any work to get stage time. Up here? No one cares. 'Wait, you have done 10 minute sets at Topaz? Wow! Come do our show!'

What do you do to get booked?


Getting booked is tough; especially for me. I'm actually kind of a shy person. I don't particularly enjoy networking, meeting people, and hanging out. I prefer to show up, do my time, and go home and play video games. That doesn't fly up here. You have to keep showing your face. You keep showing up and showing up and showing up. You become someone they know. Then you get a spot. You have to introduce yourself to people 100 times. It's ugly. No one tells you about that. I had no idea. I thought I'd send a few emails, go crush and then watch all the bookings come in. No dice. After I got the tv show, 'I thought: here come the bookings'. Still nothing. No one cares. You still have to go through it. You have to get your hands dirty and hustle. There are no short cuts.

Do you run into DC comedians who have made the move, and have they been helpful?

There are a bunch of DC folks up here. It's helpful to get their input and hear about their experiences. It's comforting to know that they are going through it too. I see Rory Scovel, Ryan Conner and Matt Mayer all the time. Erin Conroy, Alicia Gomes, and John Razos are up here too. I don't see them as much because they are hermits. Actual hermits with staffs.


Have you looked into running your own room?


We had a room with a really short life. Rory, Ryan and I ran a show at Soundfix Records. We got 3 shows. Thanks guys. Really? 3 shows? I stopped by there on a Monday and there was no one in there. We at least had like 7 people. 7 vs 0. They didn't even have to pay us. As for other rooms, it's going to happen. There is no better way to get yourself out there than to run a room that comics want to do. A few of us have something in the works that will hopefully get going within a coupe months.

What was your favorite room in DC?


I really liked Topaz. It's a well run room. You do this for a while and you come to appreciate that. A lot of people like to make fun of Curt for being neurotic, but he runs a great show. It's professional. The people that complain about it should run their own rooms. No one is entitled to anything. Everything we as standups do is dependent upon the work and effort of others. You need an audience, a mic, a venue, someone to make the lineup, take the hit as the mc, and so on. If you don't like the rules of a place, don't perform there. Anyway, Topaz is such a cool place. The vibe is great. It's like a downstairs lounge in New York. It was intimate but you could cram a decent number of people in there. The crowd always listens and is respectful even if they aren't dying laughing.

You've been involved with both sketch here in DC (Poonanza) and in New York? How do you like sketch and have you been trying to get more involved in it? How do you like it compared to stand up?


I love sketch comedy. It's a great outlet. As I mentioned above, I was part of a winning sketch team that got to film a tv pilot. Great experience. I've found that it's a great way to motivate yourself to write and create. It's an awesome way to encourage collaboration with other comics and something that can bring people together. I like doing it as an alternative to standup. It will never replace standup but I like it as a release now and again. Really cool shows like the Poonanza are a blast to put on even though it's stressful. There are downsides though. The biggest problem is getting people together. I am always down to write/film or whatever. But other people are busy. It's next to impossible to get people together. Even up here, where everyone is doing comedy stuff full time, I still can't get everyone together for a shoot. That pain in the a$$ factor is prohibitive at times and it's why writing sketches will never replace the complete control I have with standup.

How would you describe your style of stand up and how has it evolved since you started?


When I first started, I didn't know anything. I mean, I knew nothing. I didn't know the rules. No one was there to tell me. I didn't know that it wasn't OK to do someone else's joke. I never happened to do it because it didn't excite me to do that (I wanted to be original) but I didn't know you shouldn't. When I started out, I loved Brian Regan (still do) and Mitch Hedberg (still do). My style was half Brian Regan and half Hedberg. It was a random hodgepodge of poorly written putrid refuse that I cannot believe came out of my mouth. I would alternate between trying to do something with a dry delivery that was really clever like Hedberg and then start talking really loudly and over-emphasizing words in a poor man's Regan. I also mixed that in with some frat-tastic 'I drink a lot'/wouldn't it be funny if this movie character was in this situation? jokes. It was bad. The main difference now is that I also do some Daniel Tosh style jokes.Haha! JK! LOL-ing. The biggest difference between me now and then is that I found my voice. I know what it is I do now. I'll never be a great writer of jokes. It's just not me. I have to put myself out there. I'm funny. I'm the guy in the group of friends that makes all the funny jokes. I balance the self-deprecating with the confidence. I share more of myself with the audience than I did before. I was scared to then. Now it's: 'here is why I was insecure about this'. Then it was more like: 'What if William Wallace was your driver's ed teacher? You'd get to a stop sign and he'd be like: 'Hoooooollllld!.....Hooooolllllllllld!......Hooooooollllllllllld!....Ok, turn right'.





You can catch Danny in the DC area in April.



Danny will be featuring at the Baltimore Comedy Factory April 3rd and April 4th.



You can catch a longer set on Saturday, April 5th when Danny headlines the Hyatt in Bethesda.


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Main Event Interview: Maria Bamford

"One of the most innovative comedians working today." That's how Patton Oswalt introduced Maria Bamford last October to the audience at the Black Cat during the latest edition of the Comedians of Comedy tour. Bamford then went on to steal the show by seamlessly weaving in characters throughout her twenty minute set. Maria is back in town this weekend headlining at the Arlington Drafthouse. (Friday, March 14th and Saturday March 15th) Local stalwart Erik Myers will also be on the bill.

We were lucky to have a chance to have Maria answer a few questions about her comedic style, approach to writing and thoughts on non-traditional comedy venues.

You've mentioned Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy as being a few of your comedic influences. What about their performance style captivated you?

I like their goofiness-and with Eddie Murphy I liked his characterizations- I think my favorite part was listening with my Dad.

How far were you into your comedy career when you felt truly comfortable with your style?

I guess that’s sort of an ongoing process as an artist/human- I’m always changing but it’s really helped to have things on TV/Internet because the more people who like what I do and come to see me, that really helps me feel more comfy – that people know what they’re coming to see.

How do you or have you in the past curbed the urge to pander to an audience who maybe had a certain expectation in material or delivery of material that differed from what you were presenting?

Well, I only have one act- so, beyond trying to do jokes that I already I have that I think people might like- jokes that are loud or slightly sexual seem to grab people’s attention, but I only have 2 or 3 of those – so, I’m a bit stuck if people don’t like it, they just don’t like it.

What do you find hacky?

I’m not a judge of comedy/art- I think it’s pretty subjective and if somebody laughs or gets something from somebody’s work- then it’s valuable/funny.

How has your material changed over time?

I think/hope I’m more personable- am better at communicating my premises, but I think it’s stayed the same in that it’s whatever I’m passionate about at the time.

Do you find that audiences in non-traditional comedy venues and theatres are more open minded than audiences in traditional comedy clubs?

I like them because I do better in them, but I don’t know if that’s because they are more specifically marketed toward my sense of humor. Comedy Clubs can be sort of vague in their advertising (give away free tickets) and that makes the audience unprepared for what type of show is on- let’s blame the comedy clubs.

When you are writing a new joke do you write it out fully and then take it to the stage or do you take the concept to the stage and then work it out?

I just do it on stage and try it over and over and over again. To friends, family, on stage, wherever.

How do you cope with the occasional writer's block?

Just keep writing.

How often do you spend daily or weekly writing?

About 5 days a week- but sort of happens throughout the day- while driving, walking my dog.

How do you handle hecklers? What was your worst heckling experience?

Every heckler is different-and I have specific lines, but sometimes, you can’t prepare and just have to be in the moment and hope for the best- The worst heckling is always the last one. It feels bad- is a bummer when people don’t like it and verbalize it- I don’t understand why they don’t leave or ask for their money back- because the comic really can’t do anything about it.

Have you ever felt like you were in a slump on stage either with your material or how you were performing your material? What have you done in the past to break the "slumpy" feeling?

All there is to do is to keep trying, keep doing it, keep doing more things. Stop talking about it, worrying about it and just do it again. Take a break if you’re not having fun-do something else, take a vacation, then try it again. If you really don’t enjoy doing stand-up- it’s ok to stop doing it! There are other ways to be creative!

Have you googled yourself and what was the weirdest thing that popped up that was associated with your name?

I googled myself a few times and then, I stopped once I read a negative chat room thing that bummed me out. Who cares what other people think? It’s none of my business. All I need to do is keep doing what I enjoy doing and let go of the results- whether anyone cares doesn’t really matter as long as I’m having a good time.

Check out Maria's sit com on Super Deluxe.

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Larry Poon & Jim Marsdale Show this weekend

Two of D.C.'s most recognizable and irrestible acts come together on stage this weekend to share with you their stories of fame, fortune, music videos, scotch, and dancing with loose woman. You can't go wrong.



"An Intimate Evening with Larry Poon and Jim Marsdale"
DC Improv Comedy Lounge
Saturday March 1, 2008
8pm $10
Buy tickets in advance!

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3 Random Questions w/ Todd Barry

Todd Barry is pretty busy these days. He's currently working several dates with Louie CK and Todd's new dvd From Heaven goes on sale 3/14. Todd will be making his way back into town this week with two shows at the Arlington Drafthouse. (Friday, February 29th and Saturday March 1st)

We sat down with Todd recently (and by sitting down with we mean we emailed him) and asked him a few random questions ranging from choice of Thai food to googling.

[Hit the jump for the Big 3]

1. What's your go to meal of choice at Thai restaurants?
Usually some sort of chicken or tofu with basil, or cashews, Pad Thai. And I always get a side of crushed red pepper. Because I'm a real man.

2. When you're not on the road you are always doing shows in New York. Do you ever take extended breaks or do you feel like some other comedians do that you have to constantly be performing stand up or risk "losing it" so to speak?
I definitely feel rusty if I haven't performed for a while, but an occasional short break helps me get excited about going back on stage.

3. Have you googled yourself and what was the weirdest thing that popped up that was associated with your name?
I did a whole one-man show about what happened when I googled myself. I found a critique of an appearance on Conan. The woman's husband made a whole website about the ordeal: www.westey.org/jza.

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Head-to-Head Headshots

Ah, headshots. The necessary evil of every entertainer's resume. In the search for that perfect "naturalistic" photo, you sometimes have to endure a uncomfortable and awkward session. The photographer is key. Does he make you feel relaxed? Or does he make you feel like you are the first alive human being he has ever shot?

Or are the photos just going to look horrible, like they were shot from inside your nostrils?

It's a grueling experience for some. You may recall Larry's post where he grilled some of the lamest headshots he could find on the internet. But, the writers of DCC4N are not getting off that easy. Today, Larry Poon and I go head-to-head on some of our worst headshots.

You need to show personality in your headshot. A Standard pose just won't cut it in todays world. In this headshot Jason is saying "Hey, I don't know where the mustard is? Or do I?"

This headshot would be cool, Larry. If it came from the Sadora Highschool, Class of 1976 yearbook.

[Hit the jump for more of the bad-faces face-off!]

Jason nails the personality angle in this headshot. Actually he just sneezed but listen 40 headshots is 40 headshots to some photographers.

What else could Larry be so pensive about???


The magic of the headshot isn't always about the smile. Sometimes wearing a shirt that catches peoples attention is all it takes to be cast in a major motion picture or as an extra in a movie about a guy living in a world where everybody wears bad shirts. Jason nailed this headshot. Bravo son! You've captured the "I got this shirt at Walmart for only $6. Can you believe it! Look."

Not many people know this, but Larry can also get you a great deal on a 1968 Chevrolet Nova 2-Door Coupe. I mean, that is a smile you can trust.
[Also, Larry appears thinner in this photo than the first. That is photog-trickery, and it is frowned upon by the Headshot Association of America (or HAA!).]

Well, that is it folks! Who came out the victor in this clash of shitty headshots? Feel free to also bash on us. Go ahead, we can take it.

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"Romantic Comedy" to become the first show to ever sell out in the history of the WORLD!!!!

We are putting on our second showcase at The DC Improv Comedy Lounge on Valentine's weekend combining the sweetest standup and improv comedy just for you, that's right, you snickerdoodle. Our First showcase, "Clash of the Titans" sold out (unlike any show that has ever been produced by any person or persons in any medium!)and we are celebrating by putting on another local comedy showcase with twice the heart, with TWO shows @ 8pm and 10:30pm. Hey pumpkin-pudding, you deserve nothing but the best.

Fall in love with stand up from:
SHOTGUN DENNY TOMM (winner of 2007's "Funniest Person in Baltimore,")
NICK TURNER (jerk from NYC and [little-seen] National Commercials)
JAY HASTINGS (Comcast On Demand)
JASON WEEMS (Last Comic Standing, Comcast On Demand)

And Long-Form Improv/Pillow Talk from:
HOURLY RATE HOTEL f/ Topher Bellavia, Natasha Rothwell, Dan Hodapp (Washington Improv Theater's "161" and "Caveat" )
THE JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION f/ Dave Johnson, Mikael Johnson, Jason Saenz-Johnson (Washington Improv Theater's "161" and "Jackie")

And hosted by the debonair but cuddly JASON SAENZ (member of WIT's "Jackie" and "iMusical)

What: DC Comedy: 4 Now Presents: "Romantic Comedy"
When: Saturday, February 16th @ 8:00 and 10:30pm
Where: The DC Improv Comedy Lounge
Cost: $10 at the door or go to http://www.symfonee.com/improv/dc/home/index.aspx.

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Bar None! Part 2...I'm sensing a recurring theme, Larry!

Disclaimer: I ate 3 pounds of bacon this morning. That's not the disclaimer. The disclaimer is please excuse the lack of grammar and utter disregard for proper spelling while reading this. I can't help it. I eat a lot of bacon and sometimes it affects the way I think.

Last week I had the good fortune to do another amazing bar gig. Now I've said before that bar gigs can go one of two ways: amazingly awful or please let my car hit a barrier on the way home awful.

The show was in the banquet hall of a bar in Baltimore that we will call the Kingdom of Fun for the sake of protecting the innocent. Actually the venue wasn't bad at all. The room was nice. The sound system wasn't bad. The clientele were attentive and appreciative. So you're probably thinking Larry, what was the problem then? There were 9 people there. Nine people in a banquet room that holds about 80. If you have nine people and they're all laughing it still doesn't feel like you're doing well. In fact it doesn't even feel like you're doing a show. It feels more like a relaxed work meeting and you're making everybody laugh by poking fun at Steve from logistics.

[Hit the jump people! Rednecks inside!]


After the show a guy came up to me to offer advice on how I should end a few jokes. Luckily the 9 PBR's this guy had during the show really cleared his head so that the creativity could flow easily. He basically told me to end a joke that I do with a racial slur. The joke is about horoscopes. It doesn't even involve people.

(Thanks for the tip Bad Teeth guy)

I'm going to give this show an amazingly awful rating because I didn't have an urge to drive into a concrete barrier on the way home. Sure I left the Kingdom of Fun questioning what I'm doing, but I can't lie and say that I didn't somehow have fun. It's one of those shows that while you're doing it you are saying to yourself "this is awful, but I'm liking it" and then you immediately ask yourself "Am I retarded?"

By the way...with Christmas on the way pick yourself a gift that keeps giving this holiday season. The Larry Poon Doormat. The description says it all.

"Poonified" Doormat --- $39.99 "Some pompous douchebags may also be selling doormats, but none of their doormats have the heavenly vision of Larry Poon smiling up at them while they wipe the dog shit off their feet. This is most likely your only chance to run your shoes, sandals, flip-flops, or your bare genitalia on Larry Poon's face, so take advantage of this item while it's in stock!!" Read more!

Poonanza V: This Saturday @ The Warehouse Theater

Dear DC,

Times are tough. But your city isn't filled with all deplorable people. Some are good. Some are better than good. Some are way before their time! Visionaries! One such man is your very own Larry Poon, who has been producing a show that features characters, sketch, and musical wackiness and has been changing the face of DC comedy for over 4 mind-blowing runs! I am talking about Poonanza. It's what I look forward to every year. It gets my mind off all the lead-painted toys I have to deliver.

So take your friends, loved ones and anyone else you can think of who understands that nice isn't always right. Shit, sometimes naughty is the way I like it, too!

Sincerely,
Santa

What: Poonanza V
Where: Warehouse Theater on 7th Street
When: Saturday, December 8th @ 10pm
How much: $7 tickets.
Show is close to selling out so email LarryPoon1@yahoo.com to reserve yours!

Bonus Gifts:
Poonanza V Trailer
Larry Poon Song
Writer's Meeting Poonanza 3

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DC Comedy Spotlight: Jon Mumma

When it comes to surprising audiences, Jon Mumma has UFC like quickness. You never know where he is coming from. When I first saw Jon he was performing as one of his [now legendary] characters, Jim Marsdale, to a dumbfounded and delighted audience. "Was this guy for real?"

That is what Jon does. He comes at you when you least expect it and when he hits you...you can't stay mad for long. For several years now he has been working at such DC/Metro Area clubs as The Laughing Lizard, Riot Act Comedy Club, Cafe Rendezvous, The Hyatt in Bethesda, Wiseacres, Baltimore's Comedy Factory and is winner of the 2006 DC Improv Annual Showcase. Jon knows what it takes to be eccentric, but at the same time a welcoming face to new audiences all over the city.

When we asked Jon about what he loves most about performing he had this to say, "... for me is when you get one of those moments on stage when you feel complete comfort. Like, you could talk about anything and make it funny....total freedom." Jon's fun onstage is contagious, that is why he is one of DC's Best.

Hit the jump to learn more about Jon and watch some of his videos.[updated with interview!]

Jon will be onstage this Wednesday night, Dec. 5th @ 8pm for the Salute to Dr. Dremos Comedy Showcase

This weekend, you can catch Jon Mumma as one of the cast members in the HUGE SKETCH SHOW Poonanza V on Saturday Night, 10pm @ the Warehouse Theater. For tickets email larrypoon1@yahoo.com.

Next week, Jon will be featured at the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse next week, Thursday Dec. 13th @ 7:30pm. The show also includes local favorite Justin Schlegel and DCC4N's Jay Hastings.

Lastly, he is headlining the Bethesda Hyatt on December 14-15th and featuring at the Baltimore Comedy Factory December 27-29th.

Please, do yourself a favor and go out a catch a show. Let's do this, DC!

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Bonus Video: The Game

Jon Mumma Interview

*When did you realize that you wanted to do comedy?

5th grade. I loved Bill Cosby so did a book report about him and became infatuated with standup.

*Who were some of your earliest influences?

My earliest influence in standup was Cosby but I'd say Saturday Night Live was my greatest influence. Chris Farley and Phil Hartman remain two of my absolute favorite performers ever.

*Where did you first perform?

My first performance was at Wiseacres Comedy Club open mic, I did fairly well...if memory serves me, I did a Dr. Phil meets Rambo impersonation. It was gold.

*What was your first paid gig?

My first paid gig was Tracey's Comedy Club. I wrote my set list on my hand but once I got on stage I realized the lights were too dim to see the writing...plus, I remembered I didn't have any dick jokes so it was irrelavent.

*Do you prefer to write on or off stage?

I do both but more often than not, my jokes are writen onstage. Typically, something strikes me funny so I jot it down in my notebook. I read over it again the next day; if its still funny to me, I'll try talkin about it at an open mic. I record all my new ideas and then replay them to decide what to keep.

*Do you enjoy the process of writing?

I love the writing process. I just wish I was better at it.


*Do you ever want to convey a message?

The best part of performing for me is when you get one of those moments on stage when you feel complete comfort. Like, you could talk about anything and make it funny....total freedom. I wouldn't say that I necessarily want to convey a message in my material but I do want the audience to leave a show and feel as though its ok to let their guard down and be silly and goofy.

*What's hacky to you?

I'm not sure what hacky is anymore. It seems like the definition is always changing. I know that I don't like it when I feel as though a comic is not being genuine with the audience. I like all kinds of comedy as long as they feel honest.

*What is your day job?

I work at the Government Printing Office as a Program Analyst
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Headshot? They should call it no shot! Ha Ha Ha ughhhhhhh.

Disclaimer: My writing and grammar has not improved since the last blog. However, I am still awesome.

Headshots are a vital piece of every performers press kit. I could write some solid detailed advice about headshots but why re-invent the wheel when you can click here for that info. Besides I'm only writing this blog so that I can make fun of the headshots below. So let's get started and I'll throw some of my own helpful advice in along the way.


Rule 1. Have Fun!
Sure Ranger Frank may be saying "Don't hire me. I am clearly unstable" with this headshot but I guarantee you he had a fun time in that photo shoot!


2. Think it through
Maybe head shots aren't for you if you're ugly. Listen. Now of course not everybody looks like Brad Pitt but you've got to work with what you've got. CAMMAN! Use some common sense and look in a mirror.

3. Does your headshot match your material?
There's two parts to this one. First, if your wife is in your headshot...get another headshot with just you. Why would you do that? Second, if you going to keep a headshot that has both you and your wife in it...don't do 45 minutes of material on banging German teens while on business trips. The audience won't respect you.

4. Don't try to be too clever.
You're not impressing people with your ability to grow your hair. Keep it simple jackass and just use one picture.

5. Black & white or color?
It really doesn't matter if your headshot is in black & white or color if you look like you touch children.

6. Dress appropriately.
I can't really knock this guy. He looks like every DJ at every wedding I have ever been to. If that is the look this guy is going for...then he nailed it! He is throwing a little something extra in there too. SASS!

Shhh. Dj Robbie Rob is about to tear the roof off this place with a back to back mix of Real McCoy. Oh, it's not just "Another Night"...it's THE night. "Run Away"...

No seriously. Run away.

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Tales from the Road: Bar None!

Disclaimer: My spelling and grammar is atrocious. I also like to use ellipsis A LOT. I'm bad at word play and thinking of titles that are creative. I almost named this one Chicken and Corn and it has nothing to with chicken or corn. But you'll have to deal with it. I'm an ICON and I wear Valour.

I had a one nighter last night at a bar in Baltimore. Bar gigs usually go two ways. "Painfully awful" and "only slightly awful". There are a few reasons for this and the one that tends to be the number one reason is that no one in the bar seems to to ever know that a show is going to be happening.

However, this was not the case last night because there was nobody there to not know that a show was going on. I got to the bar around 8:20 for the 9:00pm show and walked into the following scene.

(The bar had less people than this.)

That's a slight exaggeration. There were a group of 5 people gathered around a pool table. The bathrooms were right by the pool tables so as I was in the bathroom I could overhear one of the guys at the pool table saying "I just love alcohol" over and over. I was only in the bathroom for a couple of minutes. In that time the guy said that phrase 12 times. I love alcohol too, but when you proclaim your love for it out loud 12 times in a span of two minutes you probably have a problem with alcohol.

I had a couple of Poon Nation Fan club members show up so while I was entertaining them I looked over my shoulder to see the Booker/headliner having a heated argument with the bar manager. I excused myself from the discussion on how great I am and walked over to find out:

THE BAR DIDN'T HAVE A SOUND SYSTEM AND THE BOOKER/HEADLINER DIDN'T BRING ONE.

Apparently that was one minor detail that the bar overlooked and the Booker forgot to follow up on.

So we discussed our options:

(A bullhorn was actually discussed and quickly tossed out as an option because nobody has bullhorns.)

The lack of sound system overshadowed (and rightly so) the fact that by 9pm only a handful of people had showed up to see the show so the bar management decided that it would be "best" to cancel the show.

I still got paid which is rare for when shows like these get cancelled. So this bar gig will be filed under "only slightly awful". I have a make up date in January. I hope they have a sound system.

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Welcome DCC4N's newest contributer!

Our newest addition to the DCC4N family needs no introduction really. His unique brand of comedy has become somewhat of a staple here in Washington, D.C. He's performed numerous times at such clubs as the DC Improv and Baltimore's Comedy Factory, but that doesn't mean he is full of himself. He will still perform at the local Arby's (free sandwiches) and your kid's birthday party (or Bar Mitz-vah). Bottom Line: He is an born entertainer and he is guaranteed to give you a perspective of the DC Comedy scene you have yet to experience.

Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome..... Larry Poon.

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