20050412

March 3, 2006

Charlie’s Standup Comedy Journal

April 12, 2005: What the Hell Are They Drinking at EVOS?

This was an interesting show. First, because it was my very first ‘solo’ trip to Lowell, Massachusetts. I schlepped up there for a show a few months ago, but I had comedic buddy Daniella along as a copilot. And we still almost got lost. Add to that the fact that I can get turned around getting out of my damned driveway, and I smelled trouble a-brewin’ that night. The seas were angry, and all of that.

As it turned out, though, this place is on the other side of Lowell — who knew it would have sides, anyway? — and much easier to navigate to. I didn’t get lost, even once. So I was sporting a bit of confidence, even before it was time to go onstage.

And afterwards? Well, let me tell you. I don’t know what the folks in the audience had been drinking — or smoking, or shooting into their eyeballs — but they were pumped. Absolutely everything was funny — and not just for me; don’t get me wrong. Every comic went up, and just about every comic killed. I’m not always sure that the crowd was laughing at us — they were all in one big group, and much of the time it seemed they were laughing at each other, or the floor, or invisible pink elephants. But damn if they didn’t make it sound like we were tearing the roof off the place. Eeyore could’ve had them in fricking stitches that night. It was surreal, almost.

The place is pretty cool, too. It’s a little bit of a hike for me, but it’s exactly the kind of place I wish I lived right down the street from — two bars, lots of TVs, apparently good food, and (of course) comedy. It’s not quite enough to make me think about moving to Lowell… but, you know — if that audience is there every night? Well, that’s worth selling the house for, is all I’m saying. Those people were crazy!

Download Clip of 04/12/05 Set —

Evos Arts, Lowell, MA (7 minutes, 6 seconds):