Last Saturday, I attended a holiday party at a friend’s home in Granada Hills. Prior to the party, the host asked me to find a comedian that would be willing to perform for the guests. For a comedy nerd/evangelist like me, you are giddy at the chance to bring comedy and laughter into people’s homes. The very funny and extremely professional Paul Ogata agreed to do the gig.
Paul walked into a situation that would intimidate any comedian – large, immaculate home, unconventional setting, uncertainty of the crowd. He even followed a choir. But Paul handled his business like a pro and absolutely killed it. It was truly great ending to a fun night with friends.
But what made the evening even more special was this email that I received from the host the next day:
Brendon,
I want to thank you and Paul for adding such a positive energy to Saturday night’s festivities. In spite of the glitch with the equipment (which won’t happen again) Paul’s performance was incredible. Laughter is such a gift and Paul is truly blessed to share that with those he comes in contact with. I heard a short story which summarizes how magically someone was touched that night and I’m compelled to share it with you. In the audience was a family who lost their beloved father recently and who had not ventured out much. The wife has been grieving the loss of her husband and the children their father. I heard and saw that Saturday night was the first time in a long time that the children laughed. Thanks to Paul and you for making it possible. Please pass this on to Paul.
All the very best to you and your family during these holidays and into the New Year.
Warm regards,
Vince
I’m not sharing this email so Paul or I can receive praise, but to highlight the power that laughter has. For one night, comedy helped this family with their tragedy.
We do not hear enough of these personal, day-to-day stories about how comedy and laughter affect us in a positive way. Depression, sadness, and behavioral problems are on-going issues for many people that stem from job loss, illness, and death. Often times people turn to prescription medication, drugs, and alcohol to deal with these issues. If you know someone who is going through some rough times, take them out to laugh for an evening at a comedy show. It will make all the difference in the world. Their mind will rest, the tension in their bodies will ease, and their spirits will be lifted.
2010 is just around the corner. A new decade most of us can’t wait to see. If you’re family is anything like my family, the last few years have been rough. But we’re still kicking. I’m positive the only thing that has gotten us through it is Love and Laughter. Because at the end of the day, that’s all we have. Since I’m not a love doctor, I’ll tell you about laughter. Let’s make 2010 the Year of Laughter. Bring it into your life and give it as a gift to others.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Brendon great post. Usually, I think we all take laughter, humor, good natured fun, and lightheartedness for granted. In these times of economic hardship and the all pervasive sense of heightened uncertainty and insecurity facing our planet’s future we have to cherish every laugh we can get. Great job booking Paul. I don’t know him personally, but he seems like a good guy and is usually pretty funny. I think he has a special on Showtime airing in January. I can’t wait to see it. Out of curioisity, I was wondering what goes through your mind when you’re booking a comedian for an event at a home or unorthodox venue. What special intangible assets or characteristics are you looking for? How did you decide Paul Ogata was the right comic for the gig? How did Paul adapt to the unpredictabilities of a house gig? Did he open or close differently? Did he use the same material he ususally uses or was he more interactive riffing off of the crowd? Anyway, great post. Take care.
Thanks Gerald! I appreciate it. This was the first time I’ve ever “booked” a comedian for something like this. Paul has a very easy going style and universal appeal. He’s not too dirty but he’s still hilarious. And such a professional. I think that may have been the single biggest reason I thought he would be great. Paul treats comedy as a business and as if he needs to deliver for clients.
Paul was definitely evaluating the situation heavily when he came in and his expectations for success were low. But I think that’s a comedian mentality. I knew he would be great and he was. Legitimate laughter from the crowd for the entire time. He censored his material a bit, but as an audience member, you would have no idea. Definitely interacted with the crowd a lot and it went over very well.
Yes, great thoughts Brendon. And thanks for the kind words Gerald. It was definitely a strange situation, and on top of all that there were technical difficulties with the sound system.
At corporate gigs, you know about the company in advance and can prepare accordingly, but I went in blind on this one. In times like these, I immediately begin assessing the crowd and surroundings, looking for gifts they present to me that I can then play off of. Sort of like TV’s Survivorman, but without the harmonica. Many gifts that night.
I am so happy to hear that a family was able to find some respite through the show, and grateful to Brendon for facilitating the opportunity to make it happen.