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Open Mic at Owl in Las Vegas and My Thoughts on Some Types Of Humor
A friend of mine let me know he was going to be filming an open mic event at a new bar named Owl tonight and invited me along if I had time. I decided it would be good to get out for a bit and enjoy some local talent. I really, really wanted to enjoy some local talent. When you read what I experienced below you will understand why I repeated that statement.
What I witnessed instead was a collection of the city's common trash. By the definition of trash, I mean that most of the dialog can be overheard in any long waiting taxi line, lifestyle choice lounge, or tweaked out neighborhood street corner. It is not original and in most cases not humorous. It is the sad examples of human behavior mistakenly called humor.
The topics ranged from sexually explicit issues to racial jokes. In light of recent events, most of this was in extremely poor taste and I would suggest that the owner or manager seriously screen and audition the folks that are going to be sharing the light on their stage. This is not to reflect badly on the event coordinator and MC. He did a great job introducing the players and arranging for a full schedule of performers. Better luck next time. (May I suggest musicians?)
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| Open Mic MC and Players |
My thoughts on one specific "comic" were that his friends probably laugh at him not because he was funny, but the fact that he was that stupid. Tasteless commentary is not funny. The lack of a filter is not funny. Toilet humor reveals a childish and immature intellect. Classic comedians like Buddy Hackett and George Carlin got away with their trashy humor because they chose it carefully and warmed their audiences up to the final punchline. These two comedians got extremely raunchy in their acts, but they tied in timing and strong storytelling with their jokes.
None of the amateur comics had much of a response from the audience until I decided to walk out of the room after the last comedian made a very vulgar statement and verbally dragged me into his act. I'm sorry, sir (using that term loosely) the total disregard for your audience and the fact you hazed your critic was a really bad move. No one was laughing. I pondered the fact that a pig had more class than this fellow.
The Talent
The night was not a total bust. There was a lovely guitar set with a gentleman playing original songs. The music was comfortable, lyrics bright and warm, and the sound - easy to listen to. His voice was pleasant. This was the talent I was expecting. Thank heavens this performer came before the last acts or I would have missed any performance of good taste.
I will certainly think twice before attending an open mic at this location or any for that matter. I seriously do not relish spending my time in offensive language and dialog. If I wanted that I'd just go to the worst side of town and eavesdrop on the patrons there. No serious effort needed.
