You Can't Please All The People...

Finished last week at Burlington Farm Fair in NJ. It is a great little fair and the shows were a lot of fun. Had a day off, then went to Point Pleasant Beach for a show that is performed literally on the beach. I had a very large audience, some of who saw me last year and returned when they saw I was on the schedule. Afterward I met a lot of great folks and enjoyed chatting with them.

This morning I found a rather surprising e-mail in my spam folder. A mother who saw my show at Pt. Pleasant was offended. Mind you, I do not use any foul language in my act. Although some clients advertise me as a kids show - I flatly state that I am a family show to PG-13. I tell clients what I do; they can see my videos. Pt. Pleasant advertises the program series as a Kiddie event. My comedy is aimed at all ages. I'm a comedian ventriloquist, not Sesame Street.

Usually a letter such as this would upset me. This morning, not so much. My act hasn't changed from the last few months. It has been drawing good crowds, often filled with people who have seen the act time and again. Parents even bring their kids back for multiple shows. This is the first complaint I've gotten in a long time. Comedy, by it's very nature offends someone.

Did I feel bad? Sure, I sent the woman a reply and apologized for the fact she was offended. I also told her not to attend my shows in the future. I'd hate for her to be offended while the other 300+ people are laughing...

Ocean County Fair

Finishing up my run here at the Ocean County Fair in Toms River, NJ tomorrow. I was surprised to find this on-line article about my act today!
http://www.jacksonnjonline.com/2009/07/18/only-one-more-day-left-to-visit-the-2009-ocean-county-fair/

Its been a great few days, hanging with old friends the Dazzling Mills Family, Dale Jones, Dave Feimster, Bruce, Kitty & O.J. and others. Among the highlights - seeing Michelle & Chris Groth's wedding pics and helping celebrate Tony Mill's 18th birthday. A fun week!

Ventriloquism - East Coast and beyond!

Back on the 7th day of my second run here in Virginia Beach. In between I worked a private corporate event, Knoebels Park in PA. and the Howell Balloon Challenge Festival in Michigan. Its been a lot of driving with some intense overnight jumps and lots of shows.

Had some rough days. The shows started running together and I was having trouble keeping focused. At times, I felt like I was repeating material, when in reality, I was comparing the joke with earlier responses. Partly because the shows have been very close together with 4 to 5 performances per evening.

I want to publicly thank Jay Johnson, Tony award winner and former star of Soap. I had e-mailed him regarding my burn-out and he offered some excellent advice. Jay is not only one of the top ventriloquists in the world - but an incredibly nice guy. Thanks again Jay!

My thanks also goes out to:
David Crone, who always has a kind word and encouragement,

and members of my audiences who have searched out my web site and e-mailed about the show. It means a lot when someone takes the time to tell me how much they enjoyed the laughs!