Busy All Summer Long...

Can't believe I haven't posted since Indy. We've been dealing with a lot of snow here in the Baltimore area. Luckily, only one show was affected and it was postponed until the only open Saturday I had in March.

I feel so lucky to be doing what I love - making people laugh. Despite the turmoils I have gone through, getting on stage and being caught up in an infectious laugh is exhilarating. Laughter is truly the best medicine. And maybe that is why I have been so busy.

My summer schedule is filled. I've never been able to say that this early in the year. Even then, I would usually have a week to rest at some point. Not in 2010. I have a day or two between each event - which will see me driving from state to state.

My summer officially starts June 18 when I return for a five night stint at Beach Street USA.
I leave there to run to Michigan for my third year at the Michigan Balloon Challenge Festival from June 25 - 27.

My second stint at Beach Street USA runs July 1 - 11 - then I head over to Ft. Mitchell, KY. for the VentHaven International Ventriloquist Convention. I will appear on the Wednesday Night Show with fellow vent David Crone and master puppet maker Steve Axtell.

After VentHaven I'm off to NJ for my second year at the Burlington County Fair. From there I hop over to start the next day and run a week at the Lebanon Area Fair in Pennsylvania. A day off to get to Knoebels Amusement Resort, where I work for a week - then I start the Clinton County Fair. After Clinton, I return to Beach Street USA from August 17 - 31.

If you are in the area, come out and laugh with me!

Time...

As I write this, I am at the Hilton Gardens in Indianappolis. When I climbed off the plane yesterday it was 18 degrees. But it was a dry cold...

I constantly hear from other ventriloquists about their adventures in the sunny tropics aboard their latest cruise. I get to freeze. That's not to say I don't get to head South, but usually it is the middle of summer when it is so hot you catch fire walking outdoors. Or hurricane season.

The last couple of entries discussed a situation I am currently facing. I'm not certain how much it has improved, but everyone involved seems to be working on it. It will take a lot of time, and patience. In the meantime, I have a corporate show this evening, then fly home to work on things again. I'm tired.

You've Got To Laugh

There have been some moments of light since my last post. They were shattered by more darkness. It is tough to go on-stage, completely torn inside, and trying to make people laugh.

Last night was about 14 minutes of true accomplishment. I did my job. You've got to laugh, because sadness can overwhelm you. Thankfully last night the audience gave me as much therapy as I was able to provide them.

Right now, I am giving space to someone who needs to do a lot of inner reflection. I am purposely not contacting this person. I'm not sure it is the right move, but it is the only way I can think of to make them think about what can be lost. When I offered my support, they slipped immediately back into old destructive patterns.

I am currently surrounded by long time friends who are providing me their support and I want to thank them. Again and again.

Alcohol Kills

I've read about alcoholism. I've seen the problems it can cause. I've seen extended family members deal with it. This week it finally touched me in a most unpleasant way.

No, its not me personally, but someone very close. Its killing a relationship that I've valued for years. And the truth is, I'm not certain the alcohol is to blame entirely, or if that allowed issues to reach the light of day so they had to be examined. One thing is certain - I'm not looking forward to the period ahead.

2010 Looking Good!

Only a few days in and I've got "flying dates" on my calendar which means I get to travel! I just scheduled the first of my Beach Street dates for the summer. I will be performing there June 11 - 22. If you are interested in visiting Virginia Beach, come and see me then. It's still early - but I've got a good feeling about 2010!

Technology

Wow, I am finally just behind the wave! After years of feeling a phone should be a phone, my "personal device" is now able to answer e-mails, check my calendar and surf for trivial information - all with just a touch of my grimy, screen smudging finger. I'll be out of touch for a while until I learn how to use it!

Corporate Entertainment - Heading Forward

With 2009 winding down, I took a long look at what brought me the most joy (performance-wise) during the past year. Without a doubt, it was the corporate shows. After dinner programs at conventions, awards banquets, and parties were by far the most rewarding. I enjoy working with my clients to customize the program. When the show hits that personal note, it draws the biggest laughs.

As I look forward to 2010, I intend to increase my share of the corporate market. I hope as it rebounds from the economy, that I can not only enjoy the ride, but perform more of the shows that suit my act best. Creating an atmosphere of comedy where my clients, audiences and I can thrive.

To get things rolling, I started by reworking my web site:
ComedyVentriloquist.com

Here is hoping that 2010 brings us all the things we work for and the chance to succeed at what we love.