Live Comedy L.A.

Just had a quick brainstorm related to yesterday’s post about the Comedy Store that I wanted to get down.

From a business model perspective…I really feel that it is in everyone’s best interest for a comedy club to be owned by a media company. It needs to be a part of a larger organization that does not rely on the current revenue streams (tickets and drinks) as its sole income. A media company can leverage the assets (comedians, show development, scripts, etc.) into other income streams. No one individual can do that (or VERY few).

If an individual owns it…you may see a better working environment. More programming options…more pride. However, it will be difficult for them to pay comedians because of the economics.

As much as I love comedy…I would not advise anyone to be in the comedy club business unless you are in the business of creating intellectual property that you can sell and distribute on a large scale OR comedy is an ancillary part of your larger business…think Dave and Busters or the casinos.

Comedian Steve Flye and the Ice House in Pasadena make a killer combo folks. Last night I hit up Flye’s monthly show at the venue for the first time. Again, the Ice House proved that it is the best large comedy venue in the greater L.A.-area - hands down.

The Ice House is what live comedy is all about. The staff is incredible - especially long time staffer and new author Barbara Corry. I want to personally thank Barbara for showing us a great time last night. She is an amazing contributor to the community. Live comedy and the Ice House should be proud to have her. We will be spotlighting Barbara Corry and her new book “The Ultimate Green Room” in the coming weeks.

On to the show - simply put…Steve Flye has the skills to be a big time player. I asked Steve to perform at my 30th birthday a few weeks ago because I wanted more people to see that he is the real deal. But, honestly, I think he is doing just fine on his own…he packed the Ice House last night…that’s not easy. You may know “Life of the Party with Jay Davis”. But “Flye Comedy” is right there. His material killed again and he can sing (who knew?). I loved when he went into the crowd and talked about the “horchatas” on the Mexican girl in the front row. He said, “Those things could squeeze out cinnamon.”

I also enjoyed the sets from Honest John and Chris Spencer. Honest John is this older dude who talks dirty. Love that. If you are a fan of stand-up, you probably know Chris Spencer from hosting Chocolate Sunday’s at the Laugh Factory. I had never seen him before, but he was great. Tons of great material and so natural.

I want to thank Barbara Corry again. And I want to thank Steve Flye for giving Live Comedy L.A. a big shout out at the end of the show. So cool. He called me the Founder and CEO. How ’bout that people…I’m a CEO.  Go Laugh.

Upcoming shows at the Ice House
Gabriel Iglesias: Aug. 28, 29, 31
Kevin Nealon: Aug. 30