Back to Beach Street

Arrived in Virginia Beach on Aug. 1 after driving 7 hours in horrible traffic. I still can't figure out how people can justify stopping on a 65 mph highway - there were no accidents or lane closures - so it has to be stupidity.

Took the evening to watch a few acts - enjoyed what I saw, then went back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

Last night, my first night of shows, I was asked if I'd prefer to work a closed street, or a corner. The last two runs I have been working the corners and was comfortable with them. Closed street acts drew large audiences. I figured it was because the closed streets acts were more visual - they are usually fire acts or jugglers, that sort of thing. I agreed to try the setting but was nervous I wouldn't get the size crowd that others pull.

Shouldn't have worried. It was a great night.

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!

End of the Run

Monday night the crowds were smaller since some of the weekenders had left. Tuesday was cool with a stiff breeze, so the crowds were even smaller. My final show last night had 25 people at most - a far cry from what I had been drawing. I expect tonight to go about the same since the weather really hasn't changed.

After I end at 11:00, I get to head back to the hotel, change, check out and start my overnight drive. I've got a lunchtime show in Mt. Airy, MD. After that, laundry and grocery shopping - then heading to Knoebels (a two and a half hour drive) for a one week run. There will be no more sleep until I unload my show there - should hit the bed about midnight Friday morning!

Because Knoebels has poor cell reception and no wireless Internet - I will be out of touch with the world for awhile. A good time to rest, have fun with my shows and recharge for my Michigan trip at the end of that week. (Which oddly enough, involves an overnight drive.) At least I'm working!
Tom

Street Performing

With two nights of street vent (8 shows) under my belt - I'm having fun. It is a very different type of performance. Luckily my act is playing well. On the street, you've got plenty of potential distractions, which can really change the comedic timing. I realize to get better at this style, I'll need to work harder on creating material that allows me to ad-lib, yet return to my original script seamlessly.

The fresh air and four - 45 minute shows each evening has put a slight strain on my vocals after the two nights. I'm spending most of each day in my hotel room, resting my voice and catching up on sleep. When awake, I'm working on my show.

It is the curse of being on the road alone. I'm in a great beach location, hotel right on the ocean - and I'm spending my time in a room. Being by myself I don't have as much desire to explore or participate in the activities the vacationers enjoy. Still, the shows and the laughs are worth it!

Virginia Beach Ventriloquist

Tonight I start performing at Beach Street. It should be a lot of fun - tourists are treated to free street performances by a variety of artists. It is one of the attractions that keeps Virginia Beach a family destination. I'm also looking forward to meeting the other acts - it is always great to hang with other performers.

I arrived yesterday so I wouldn't have to deal with the Friday beach traffic. They have me in an Ocean front hotel with a balcony that looks out over the Atlantic. During the evening I walked the town to look around and had dinner at a spot my wife and I enjoyed years ago when we performed at a medical convention. Even with all my recent performances in the area, this is the first time I've been to the ocean here since then.

Now it is time to grab some breakfast and enjoy a walk in the surf!