The local comedy scene is a joke, or maybe it’s a little more than that, according to the city’s comics.
Goldie Garcia, a stand-up comedian of 30 years, said she made her start in Albuquerque in 1980.
“I don’t understand why Albuquerque people don’t support comedy,” Garcia said.
After whetting her comedic appetite in New Mexico, Garcia moved to Boston and performed along the East Coast for 10 years. She caught a break and went to Los Angeles to write and perform before returning to Albuquerque in 1991.
“It takes a decade at least for comics to become a real comic,” Garcia said. “At least a decade to really go and hit the road, learn the jokes — there’s all these invisible rules. Like, every subject you study has their terminology and their social graces and protocol.”
As one of the city’s only Latina comedians, Garcia said she doubts comedy will ever take off in Albuquerque due to a lack of local support.
“The people here are very closed-minded about it,” Garcia said. “I have over and over asked people, and the first thing they always say is ‘Do you do clean material?’ What is with the people here thinking all the comics are dirty? They don’t give us a chance.”
While times may be tough for Garcia, she said she remains hopeful.
“I have to make the best of it, and I do,” she said. “I’m still doing comedy, trying to take comedy off of the ground … We don’t have a comedy club, but we do have Stephen Hunt putting some really good shows on.”
Stephen “HAHA” Hunt, “HAHA” standing for “Humor Appreciation and Healthy Application,” has been a comedian for the past six years.
The value of comedy extends beyond entertainment, Hunt said.
“Way back in 1997, my goal became achieving world peace one laugh at a time,” Hunt said. “Then I decided, well, world peace, I don’t know if that’s an achievable goal; but individual peace, you and I, if we’re at peace, that’s one step toward the big picture.”
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A member of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor, Hunt published “Tickling the World” in 1997, a children’s educational book about the benefits of laughter.
“Laughter can boost your immune system, boost your metabolism, helps you solve problems, it’s just incredible,” he said. “Laughter and health just go hand-in-hand.”
Hunt said he applies his love of laughter to performing and promoting local comedy throughout Albuquerque. He founded “Best Live Comedy,” a show held at the Salsa-Baby dance studio, to promote high-profile as well as up-and-coming local comedians.
“‘Best Live Comedy’ really came to me because more and more audience members kept telling me that I always put on the best live comedy they’d seen in Albuquerque,” he said.
Albuquerque comedian Andrew Harms said he thrives in the city’s comedy scene because he enjoys performing smaller shows.
“There are opportunities to perform, a few every week,” Harms said. “I definitely appreciate every show that I get to do. I don’t take it for granted.”
With little more than a year under his belt, Harms, 20, said his humble nature is reflected in his stand-up act. His honesty is in step with each observation-based joke he delivers.
“My goal is to maybe do some shows in different cities, and do longer sets. Been doing a lot of 10-minute, five-minute sets,” Harms said. “Also, I want to host the Oscars.”
“Best Live Comedy”
Next Show: Thursday
Salsa-Baby dance studios
307 Central N.W.
8:45-10:15 p.m.
Doors open at 8:20
$10 in advance, $15 at the door
thebestlivecomedy.com
