Like a Convertible

A while back (I love nebulous time frames… and also wonderful words like “nebulous”) I was in Alaska… Ketchikan I think, (rain capital of the US) and saw a small parade of convertible cars. There aren’t a lot of days in Alaska and especially in Ketchikan where you can enjoy a convertible, and put the top down. But there they were, tops down and drivers with smiling faces. I’m sure the ownership of a convertible car in Alaska is it’s own kinda pleasure… a secret that you know you have, and keep, and only let out to a few folks lucky enough to be there on a sunny day…

I have a few jokes like this, that aren’t often told, and hardly work when they are told… They’re not intricate, or part of my regular (i.e. money making) routine, but they’re some of my bits that I just like to hear now and again, to see if I can bring some thing new to it, or tell it right. Do “right” by the idea, or connect with the audience in such a way that they see it, (my thoughts) “my” way…

I think some of the material you write, should have a few things that you enjoy just tossing in. I saw an early George Carlin DVD where he told 2-3 jokes where he “expected” a groan. He commented on it, and laughed. I think HE liked to do the jokes, because they made him laugh… and that’s what we’re on stage for sometimes… to share the things that make US laugh… not just things we know will make them (the audience) laugh…

Now I’m not suggesting any comic out there, starting a career, or continuing the dream, fill their show with ONLY jokes that (ONLY?) make themselves laugh, but now and again I think it’s not only forgivable, it’s enjoyable.

Our sets of jokes, (our acts) are hopefully like cars that get us and the people we’re driving, from here to there, set up, punchline, act out… etc. Our talking and pauses, that are filled with laughs that build, (with sometimes and unintentional rhyme… oops) and audiences that’re entertained. I mean, why own a convertible if you can’t let the top down now and again? Why come up with jokes you like if you can’t tell ‘em, even if, when you let one fly, you’re the only one that laughs? Keep trying ‘em, ‘cause some time when you feel the groove, and the audience lets you take ‘em the scenic route… you get to put the top down, on a sunny day in the rain capital… and those are the times it’s GOOD to be the driver…

See you in a few weeks…