Holy moly, a lot of good comedians are performing in Anchorage!?!
On any given night in New York, Los Angeles or semi-major city in the Lower 48, you can see great comedy. It’s pretty much the same story for music, sports, or any live performance. Those cities are hubs of culture due to its population and established industries. But Anchorage?
How does one explain three popular comedians in one week in October?
Martin Short, Dave Chappelle, Maria Bamford and Chappelle, that’s right, he’s playing two nights back-to-back to sold out crowds. Most likely, these nights were the best available dates for the performers. Also, all of these shows were booked by separate promoters, so it’s probably a coincidence, rather than strategy.
It’s hard to recall the last time Anchorage has had so many options to see well-known stand up comedians. Yes, three in a week is a lot for this city. Even twice in a week is unusual. In late August, the State Fair spreads the entertainment out and has different stand up acts booked, but never one day after the other.
In December, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez and Russell Peters will perform in Anchorage with a two-day gap on the calendar. Other comedians are also on their way up, so be sure to check your entertainment calendars, flyers and posters or get a friend who keeps track of all the fun things happening in this city.
If you do know or don’t know these comedians, then notice where these acts are performing; theatres, concert halls and arenas. Venues way bigger than clubs or a bar, which means business must be good for comedy.
The size of the venue doesn’t guarantee the show will be funny. It just means that some performers have a bigger following and require more seating than someone who has less exposure to the masses. A lot of the big names still do time at comedy clubs to work on material before going on tour. As long as the space invites room for laughter, comedians can get work in nearly any place.
In late September, several local comedians had gigs in Anchorage, Kenai and Nome on the same weekend. Hopefully, it’s another sign that Anchorage, meaning Alaska, has a thriving comedy scene with a gang of aspiring misfits craving stage time.
The people doing stand up don’t fall into categories, such as social outcast or ego-driven, because whatever label you place on them, we’re all of that and none that. We’re the same people who once said, “I think I’ll try stand up.” The obvious difference is that we stopped contemplating doing something, and we are doing something.
It’s a good time to enjoy comedy at all levels, from big shows to weekly open mics and showcases. Perhaps, the only place you shouldn’t see comedy is some crappy cellphone bootleg. It’s a live performance, so live in the moment and enjoy it.
It’s not NYC or LA, but it’s where stand up comedy is born.
