Often I hear people say someone’s funny and should do stand-up comedy. One such instance occurred during a seminar I attended this past Spring. Someone tweeted that a guy with a mild sense of humor that was doing a presentation was, in their own words, “hilarious! He should do stand-up comedy!”

Oy vey.

Look, he was a nice enough guy and he was amusing in the sense that he wasn’t up there with all the charisma of a damp rag, and I’m sure the person making the comment was probably just trying to be overly polite. But to suggest that the average office cut-up could do or would be successful at stand-up comedy is an insult to the people that do it for a living.

Stand-up comedy is hard work. Greg Aidala, who once again won “Best Local Stand-Up Comic” in this year’s Best of the TU poll and also blogs for The Funnies, would certainly attest to it. He’s put a lot of work into his routine, and continues to every day. He even teaches a course on how to do it.

Yes, there are things you need to learn! Can you believe it?

There’s a perception that it’s easy, and that you can just go up there and riff and people will laugh and follow along. Part of the problem is that there’s a small handful of comics who have put in so much time and are so damn good at it that they make it look easy.

Paul F. Tompkins is one of those guys.

Folks, this could be happening in Albany!

Tompkins is one of my favorite stand-up comedians right now. I’ve always found him funny, going back to his days on the “Mr. Show with Bob and David” program. I gained a renewed and deeper appreciation for him recently when I purchased his CD “Freak Wharf.” I don’t think I’ve laughed harder or more consistently at any comedian in recent memory.

He’s also doing this thing where if you get 300 people to join a Facebook group, he’ll come and perform in your area. I figure with the audience that my blog gets, particularly with the sense of humor so many of you readers have, that you would jump at the opportunity.

Besides, I ask so little of you people.

So go to this Facebook page (which someone set up last Fall) and join. Then we can let Mr. Tompkins know that this area likes funny. And I can laugh.

Do it for me, your favorite blogger.

 

6 Responses to Bring Paul F. Tompkins to Albany

  1. I think Ron White should come to Albany!! oh man, he cracks me up :)

  2. derryX says:

    Just a commentary on this, and a bit of a personal rant (that I started on facebook a few weeks ago) to relate to it.

    I like to consider myself a funny person, since I feel like I have the charm and ability to arouse humor in other people. I want to say that I give an enormous amount of credit to the guys like Paul F. Tompkins, Patton Oswalt, Joe Rogan, Nick Swardson, Zach Galifinaikis, Louie C.K. and others who go out there and do standup comedy. While I say I consider myself funny, I don’t think I could do what they do. There’s a world of difference between riffing with your friends and getting up there in front of a crowd and pacing out a rhythm and routine to keep people interested in what you’re saying.

    I had to sit in the company of a young fellow who claimed he is one of the best standup comedians in the capital region. The kid had no personality, and even thought that if he were to spout out his routine, we would all laugh. In fact, what happened was that he did his schtick and nobody laughed, because he wasn’t funny. He further insulted the craft by implying that all he wants is to get paid by it, and at that point, I was done with that kid.

    So don’t think you can do what the masters can do.

    That being said, listen to Kevin Marshall, join the facebook group and let’s get Paul F. Tompkins to perform here in Albany, NY!

  3. Adam says:

    Paul F Tompkins rocks. You should check out some of his stuff on Comedy Death Ray Radio. Pure hillarity.

  4. Craig says:

    Adam,

    I love CDR, I thought I was the only one who listened to that podcast. It is great!!

  5. Greg Aidala says:

    Hey Kevin-
    Thanks for the ‘shout-out’! I also dig your reader’s comments – seems
    like they know good comedy. If I may speak to derryx for a moment…derryx: sorry you had to be subjected to a local comedian who sounds more like a charlatan than comedian. If you’d like to see professional comedy, check out my comedy showcase, ‘The Brew Ha-Ha’ every Thursday at the Dee Sarno Theater in Saratoga. More deets can be found at my website: http://www.GREGAIDALA.com.
    Thanks for allowing me the plug, Kevin.
    Keep up the good work and let’s get Paul F. Tompkins to Albany!

    Greg

  6. derryX says:

    Greg – thanks for the info! I have heard great things about your act and look forward to having an opportunity to catch it sometime!

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