Editor,
I was very excited when I came across the headline for the comedy article in Wednesday’s Daily Lobo … then very disappointed once I got three paragraphs in, to read of comics bashing the very people who come to support their acts.
I am a local comedian and show producer, and whether there is one or 1,000 people in my audience, I am very appreciative of those people … even when they are drunk and threaten to punch me in the face during my act.
I feel that Goldie Garcia’s quote in the article, “The people here are very closed-minded about it,” couldn’t be further from the truth. She said she doubts comedy will ever take off in Albuquerque due to a lack of local support.
Sure, there are often smaller crowds than we hope for at events.
But as an artist and producer, it is not my job to blame the crowd. Instead, it is my job to look at how I need to evolve to get the results I want.
The stand-up scene is very “underground” in the 505 right now, which many people who envision the giant sold-out clubs they see on Comedy Central might not respect. But as someone who sees stand-up as an art and freedom to share my voice in such a unique format, I see the scene’s cult following as a beautiful thing.
Try telling the 50 plus people packed into Terrene Hookah Lounge every month for the 3rd Thursday Comedy Contest that comedy is dead. Or the diverse crowds that come to see locals like Sarah Kennedy, Matt Peterson, and Mike Long pour their hearts out on stage for little to no pay, or a beer or two if they’re lucky.
I really am glad to see that the Lobo is giving some light to Albuquerque’s comedy scene, but there’s still so much left to be uncovered. I’m anxiously awaiting your next article, perhaps from a slightly different viewpoint.
Rusty Rutherford
UNM alumnus
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