One week later....

Dick Lett
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Well we got into Calgary last night at 10 pm and headed straight to Dickens Pub to catch the end of the open mic night. It seemed like a time warp. Dan Guiry and I walked in at almost the same time we had left that room one week previous. It was like we had never left although we knew we had just driven 11 hours from Vancouver BC.
It was a surreal moment fueled by road fatigue and felt like the movie "Contact" where Dr. Ellie Arroway (played by Jodie Foster) drops in the sphere and time travels but on earth it seems as though she never left. We walked into a room full of a lot of the same faces at the same hour and it was as though we had never left.
The main difference was on stage. Richard Lett was letting loose with his new material. His voice shocked us out of our time warp. Those of you that have seen and heard Lett know how distinctive his voice is. Lets just say he will probably never get paid to do phone sex or soft-sell commercial voice overs. Yeah, that kind of distinct.
Just to give you a bit of history he is known as a bit of a rebel and shit disturber in the business and has ruffled many feathers. He does not care. I know a lot of comics visit this blog (as well as a couple of artificial comics) and wonder why am I writing about Dick Lett?
Well for one thing, I have no problem with him. Long ago I said, "Richard, you are an asshole". To which he replied "Yeah, I know. Lets have a beer." So we sat and yakked about stuff and I got to know him. We have a good working relationship.
Now Richard has said things about comics and people that was not fair and at times, not true in my opinion. He has been raked over the coals, called names, written about in forums and other blogs. The whole time he just shrugs and goes "what ever". That is what cracks me up about this guy....he does not care about the mudslinging and at times, I think he enjoys it.

I think many don't understand that he is button pushing to get reactions. Sure some of his button pushes are a bit distasteful, rude and unnecessary but he does what he does. His act can be a bit distasteful and rude at times....because that is who he is. If you have a problem with the Dick Lett, say it to him and you will find he really is not angry but looking for a reaction and doing what he does well. Being an ass, and a funny one at that and getting a reaction.
Am I a huge fan of his work? No but he does crack me up at times. There are only a handful of comics that I go out of my way to see. He is not on that list but what I saw last night was a pile of new material I had never seen him do and it killed. The crowd laughed and appluaded, the comics laughed and the Dick Lett shone for a brief moment and didn't even piss anyone off. Cool. We had a beer together and commented on some of his new stuff. Again Richard, "put it in a bag and smash it with a rock" was the funniest line of the night to me. If you want to hear the whole bit go see his show.

I heard that Cory Mack (no relation) had an awesome set. I was upset I missed it as she is a comic that I really respect for her writing and down to earth delivery. Allyson Smith was also there working her new stuff as she always does. I have watched her grow over the years and she is one of the hardest working comics I've had the pleasure of calling a friend. Always trying new stuff and trying to grow as a performer. I was sad I missed her set because I see some comedic talent in her that is about to go big time.

There were a slew of comics working out in our little comedy "gym" that I was also sorry I missed. Next week, there is always next week.

I have noticed a trend in this room and this city. There are more and more female comics than ever before. Sinced the beginning of comedy time males have dominated in overwhelming numbers. Now there are some nights where the buns equal the sausages. Is there a new wave of females becoming comics or is this just a small blip in the makeup of the industry?
This is not meant to be anything more than an observation. I don't care if a comic is female, male, gay, straight,alien or of some minority group. Just make it funny and original. Welcome to all the newcomers no matter what your background! The pie is getting bigger.

The night ended with a few hanging out and Tim Rabnett and Dan Guiry jamming with their guitars and filling the air with acoustic harmony.
These guys are not just comics but accomplished musicians as well. It was a nice end to a long day.
Thanks guys, now I need to find a bag and a rock.

Makk out.