Further On Up The Road

Further On Up The Road                        4867  (717)

Tuesday, June 6, 2006-3:00 A.M. 

What a great week at the Comix Cafe in Buffalo, NY.  We had four shows, and while none of them were sold out, the energy was fantastic, and I had a great time working with Ward Anderson and Jeff Kooze.  For the first time in a long time, I really felt like the show "meshed" well...usually, I feel like the booking agents for the rooms I work pull three names out of a hat and stick us together, hoping the show will work out.

I wrote a lot of new political material, which is the direction I truly want to go, and instead of just bashing politicians, I'm actually getting to the crux of the issues, which I think people enjoy more.  I also let myself be loose and improvisational on stage, which works better from a headlining spot because there's more time, thus more "wiggle" room, and a feature spot you really have to watch the clock.  I still did fine, and I feel like I'm developing correctly, whereas the first ten years of my comedy existence, I never felt like I was going anywhere or improving.  The only thing that I improved was my confidence on stage, and while confidence is a good thing, the inability to think fast 'n' funny can just make you look like a cocky jerk.

The best part of the Buffalo week was that it was only a 70-mile drive up and back.  This week, I'm working Wilkes-Barre, PA for Wisecrackers, and I'm going to get spoiled with the short drives, but that's o.k., I have a nut-buster coming up the week after; 20 hours to Walker, Minnesota.  After that, it's a nice, easy summer except for a road trip to Florida, but that's broken up nicely into short drives down and back.  Routing is everything, kids...don't take it for granted!

Have a nice week, and don't forget the sunscreen.

Ralph Tetta

Rochester, NY