Cause thats where the fish are.

I just got back from NYC, where I went to see my favorite band Sigur Ros and also see my buddy Ryan Conner (www.ryanconnercomedy.com) crush at the Comedy Cellar. I just realized that sounds like Sigur Ros opened for Ryan at the comedy cellar. Well they did and he was actually able to follow them. He was auditioning for a regularly paid spot at the club and passed. So if you see him, tell him congratulations. Its pretty much unheard of that a guy only 2 and a half years in (i think?) gets into a prestigious comedy club like that, especially in NYC. So awesome. As for me, I passed my audition as a constant audience member at big shows. I get to go back to the club anytime in the future to watch other comics as long as I pay the 15 dollar admission fee and purchase two items in the showroom. Water doesn't count. Message for Comics of DC: If you perform standup in the DC area and are tired of struggling to get stage time and you want to actually get more performance time, you should look into putting your own show together. Its great experience to learn how to emcee shows and you could easily put yourself on your own show as an emcee or even a featured performer. Keep in mind all open mics don't have to look the same. They can be monthly, weekly, daily, whatever. They don't have to be 20 comics all doing 7 minutes. They can be 4 comics doing 20 each. The point is, quit sitting around waiting for someone else to open a room that you can try to get in on. Open one. Find a venue and really work at making the show work. If you want to see a successful open mic, check out how Curt Shackelford runs Dr. Dremos open mic. Its a great example of what you can have audience-wise, if you put together quality, calculated showcases/open-mics. There are great comics in DC right now and DC is filled with young people that would gladly see a free show, as long as its quality. Message for audience members: Start supporting standup comedy and alternative comedy shows in the DC area. In a month or so there is going to be a great increase in shows across the city. Go to them, support them. Understand that they are funny people trying to entertain you and create a fun atmosphere. There will always be horrible comics, sometimes at a lot of shows. Go and support the ones you think are really worth your time. They need it. Spread the word about comedy in DC and lets build a great comedy community. I'm awesome at everything.