The transition from August to September was jarring this year. After a weekend out of town and then a weekend of unbridled debauchery celebrating my birthday, I wasn’t ready to get back to business last week. Instead, I went in search of something new and free to do in Memphis. The aforementioned trip left me a little broke, so my options were limited. For inspiration on Monday I visited the best free entertainment in the city – open mic at P&H presented by Tiffany Harmon.
The featured artist that night was Jason Pulley, a local musician who brings a little vaudeville to Memphis soul. With only a set of keyboards, he introduces bizarre song titles like “Dumb As A Baby” and then regales the crowd with upbeat, foot-tapping music. The juxtaposition is highly successful and everyone was having a great time. I was still contemplating my entertainment for the week when Pulley took a moment to acknowledge his friend in the audience, the famous Stephen Kline. I took the bait and asked Kline the source of his fame. His answer was mumbled and a little vague, but I eventually coaxed the words stand-up out of him. Stand-up comedy. Now that’s something I’ve never explored in Memphis.
Going through my list of reliable venues, I saw a free comedy night listed at the Hi Tone the very next night. My experience with live comedy is limited. I once supplied the punchline during a Second City show in Chicago. They liked it so much an entire portion of the sketch was built around it. Also, as a teenager, I threw up all over the table at an open mic comedy show downtown when I drank a whole lot of pink wine way too fast. So you could say I’ve been to both ends of the spectrum. I set my sights on the Hi Tone with confidence I could handle whatever they had in store.
Tuesday night, I headed over to Crosstown for the 9pm show. Once there, the lounge was dominated by a rugby team and all you can eat hot wings. I saw no sign of a show starting though I did recognize some of the comedians I met the night before. It turns out the open mic is in the small room behind the lounge. You know, through the door with a sign that says Stay the Fuck Out over it. I caught on when I saw Thomas Jenkins, the host, carrying a Box O’ Fun to the back. It usually takes something subtle like that to get my attention.
Maintaining a low profile, I slipped in to just observe the room. There was an electricity in the air, like the excitement before a dress rehearsal. You could tell who was there to perform as they milled about, comfortably anxious for things to start. It felt like a rain day at summer camp, full of people who know each other and are used to playing ping pong while they wait for the real games to start. (Yes, there’s table tennis.)
After some shuffling of seats and inviting the lounge lizards in for the show, everyone was issued a Comedy Night Bingo card. Provided for free as a fun game and perhaps backup entertainment if you’d heard the material before. The cards listed different themes that are common in stand-up. The audience was encouraged to celebrate every Bingo by loudly announcing it to the room, especially if it interrupted the current act. Winners then selected a prize from the aforementioned Box O’ Fun. A clever concept for engaging the audience, it went over so well I suspect it may become a somewhat regular event.
Even without the parlor game, the night was wonderfully entertaining. Along with Jenkins, eight comedians stood up and shared their brand of humor with everyone. The intimate setting allowed for creative license and mistakes without any fear of ridicule. It was a laid back evening designed for laughing and enjoying good company. After the first comic, Tommy Oler, finished up I realized how rare this type of show is in Memphis. The inherent vulnerability of trying to be funny is taxing and takes a special bravery to attempt. Have you ever told a joke to your friends and felt a little stupid if it falls flat? Well, go try that on stage. Not something you’ll catch me doing. I’m grateful for the unique people that take a risk just to bring laughter to strangers.
The fun from the show left me in a joyous mood and very impressed with the comedy Memphis has to offer. I decided to attend the more well-known open mic comedy night at the P&H on Thursdays just to get a different perspective of the scene. Besides, the P&H host Tommy Oler is hilarious.
Thursday I settled in for more laughs on Madison Avenue. A larger venue and broader audience set a different tone from the start. It was unclear how many people were there to watch football versus see the show, but after about 20 minutes nearly everyone in the front room was focused on stage. This was thanks to an elaborate opening bit that involved scripted violence and some guy in a tie. No matter who you are, in the South we always laugh at a sucker punch. After that, a series of well-known local comedians took turns tickling the audience. Since it’s all new to me, I was pleasantly entertained. The guy behind me was flat out enraptured.
The P&H felt more like a traditional open mic experience. The comedians ranged from established local personalities to brand new beginners. The audience was less forgiving and it showed at times. Otherwise it was an entertaining night of fun. Since this open mic is more well-known I was introduced to all new people for the most part. Lisa Michaels, the hostess of the Slightly Bent Showcase, took a swing at the microphone. Happi Johnson, the Memphis Queen of 1-liners, delighted the audience with a sharp wit and even invited her biggest fan to the stage to liven up the show. Memphis was even treated to an out-of-town guest from Connecticut, Denniz Gifford (with a Z). There was a huge amount of variety and that’s what you should expect at a good open mic. If the only people standing up to perform are veterans they’d call it a show and charge $5. Well… maybe only $3.
I shimmied out of my comfort zone and am pleased with the results. I now have two more places to visit on weekdays for when the city hits it’s next downtime. And did I mention free? So the next time it’s standing room only at Celtic, maybe hop over to Midtown and try something new. I’ll be there surveying the new material from time to time.