Most comedy gigs are booked to stand alone, but sometimes comedy is shoehorned into a festival with music, food, and God knows what else. Usually, this is an unmitigated disaster. Some people think comedy works anywhere – “Yeah, we’re going to have you comics go up over here next to the bathroom, right before the jello rastlin’ and the band.” Oh, great, I’m sure the audience is ready to be quiet and listen to my stupid ass for 30 minutes.
I did a festival type show and it went very well. Thankfully, the powers that be moved us inside (outside shows are horrible – I’ve done one next to a bike rally). Every festival is the same in terms of a crowd though. Pre-show I saw a drag queen, a dude with a bomb tattoo on his face and another guy with a cane wearing a shirt that said “POOPIN”. That’s it, just “POOPIN”. Of course, there were tons of independent tents selling everything from crappy jewelry to comic books. I even saw one station selling DUI lawyers. That’s a good way to get a lawyer – what, you also sell vegetables at this stand? Sounds like a solid law firm; you’re hired! Now excuse me as I put one hand over my eye and drive home.