la crosse
Just finished a one-nighter in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
There was a tornado watch here so the crowd was small. There was no one sitting at the front tables. The few there were scattered around the room.
A bartender brought me up with no enthusiasm, and said my name, I swear, with a question mark. I joked about it though and the audience was friendly. Took a little while to warm them up, but a fun set overall.
The headliner, R. Bruce, went over very well. After the show, he was selling shirts and CD's and a guy from the crowd came over and shook his hand. I saw him put a bill in it. Then he came to me. Same thing.
I didn't look at it (trying to be classy) just put it in my pocket. How cool is that? We both tried to thank him, but he left quickly. R. Bruce said, "Did you look at it?"
I pulled it out. A hundred dollar bill!
The money's nice. But really the feeling is nicer - that this guy had a decent enough time, or was just a decent enough person, that he wanted to do that. The road can be rough, and tiring. Last weekend every single set was work. But there are good nights too.
I wish I could thank that guy some more.
May 1, 2001
p.s.
I worked this room again in December, 2001. This time the place was packed. There were a few large groups - company Christmas parties -most of which had been there drinking since 4 o'clock. The back half of the room talked throughout the show. In the middle section was a guy who emitted a seal-like ironic-sounding laugh at odd intervals. Near the front was a cop who yelled "Gong!" every few minutes.
Happy (hic!) birthday, Jesush!
p.p.s.
Back again in November, 2002. This time the crowd was small and cold to start, but I won 'em over and it was fun. Felt good to fight a little and pick a room up, rather than just coast on good vibes already there. Still learning...
After the show this guy Mario comes over and asks me and the other comic to drop by his restaurant the next day for lunch on him. Hot diggity! We did and it was nice and each month they hang good art by different local artists, so don't think you're the only ones with culture, you big city snobs!
LaCrosse and I are friends again.
p.p.p.s.
It occurs to me that many of you probably wanted to give me money after a show but were too shy. Well quit kicking yourself! You still can. Just click this link...