The only open mic I've ever been to where comedians have been admonished for leaving after their set and not waiting for the show to end. This was done not only by the host but the owner of the venue. I had stayed to the end because I had hoped to talk with the owner, so it wasn't a problem. But, as far as I remember, comedians weren't told beforehand to stay to the end.
At the week I was there, I was told people who left before the end of the show would not be allowed to come back the next week. I'm not sure if this was a one-time thing or a continuing practice.
Now, as far as an open mic goes, I had a lot of fun. A nice venue (which didn't impose a drink special or cover for performers) and Desmond Dailey is a fantastic host, trying to bring up comedians on a positive note while not using the venue as a spot to do a lot of time up front.
As a bar, Riddles is great. The staff is always friendly and the owner always makes time to talk to you, if you wish to speak to him. As an open-mic venue, Riddles is not the place to go if you're material isn't G Rated. Comics get pulled off the stage if the owner doesn't agree with their material. This is a rule put forth by the owner and enforced by his staff. I was under the impression that an open-mic at a comedy club, which is 21 and over, was open to all comics. As a comic and a patron, I was greatly offended to learn that I was not allowed to be entertained by comics labeled inappropriate. I asked why a certain comic was pulled 2 minutes into his promised 5 minute set. By the way, this comic was getting laughs the entire time he was up there. It was explained to me that the owner is only looking for comics to please a "certain" crowd. Funny, but the only crowd there on Monday nights is the comics and they all seemed pleased with his performance. I was told that if I wanted to attend a true open-mic, I needed to go to Jokes and Notes. I guess I will.
This is just a censorship issue for me. Not that I need 5 minutes of vulgar jokes to make me laugh, but I'd like the freedom to do so, if I so choose. I attend open-mics to hear and experience all the comics. I'm not going to cry about the harsh ones any more than I'm going to boo the boring ones.
All I'm saying is, be warned, you are going to be censored at this venue. If you like being told what you can and can't say in your set, you'll love this place.
Who gets to decide what counts as "actual comedy"? If you like it and some other guy is offended, is it that guy that gets to decide? Surely you can see the flaw in that logic.
Actually, you are exactly the kind of person who won't.
Wait. On second thought, I've come around on this... Let's just make you the guys that decides what counts as comedy. It'll just be easier. I believe the the comic in question may have not been funny, but people like you will never get that that's not the point. You are the kind of person who'd agree to burn a certain category of books if you didn't like them because you are an intellectually bankrupt cunt.
I tend to agree with the above comment in theory. I think the point they were trying to make is that you can tell a joke about anything. The comic they are talking about is named Patrick Bagdon. I was there that night also and I would have to admit that some of his jokes caught me a bit off guard,but so what? He was still funny. If you disliked him that much don't go to his shows from now on. If he puts out a CD don't buy it. If he walks on stage get up and use the bathroom. But to say what comedy "IS" or "IS NOT" is just stupid. Not everyone should have to be restricted to material about puppies and ice cream because a few narrow minded people can't take a joke. Maybe somebody with your limited sense of humor should stay out of comedy clubs since they tell f*cking jokes there.
The host is no longer Desmond Dailey. The new host, Jay "Trauma" Washington, stated there is a 2 drink min. for performers. Riddles Comedy Club is the only venue I have ever patronized where both the host & the owner, Ken Stevens, HECKLES the performers. It was both Mr. Stevens & Mr. Washington who pulled Patrick Bagdon on two separate occasions after Mr. Bagdon paid for his 2 drink min.
Videos of the incident with Patrick Bagdon can be found thru his own website and Facebook Group Page. http://www.betterwithketchup.com/ http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1430479285131&oid=148299651876646 http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1422742931727&oid=148299651876646
Video of the incident where the host heckles a performer can be found on comedian George "Milkdud" Poe's Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=162447937122564
In this video, you can hear the performer saying "I'm trying a new character". Which is what an open-mic is to a performer, an opportunity to try new material. This performer was also pulled from his set like Patrick Bagdon. But the host, Jay “Trauma” Washington continued to make the performer even more uncomfortable by heckling him. A childish verbal altercation ensues which ended with "Yo Daddy!"
Alex "The Angry Comic" was the performer who was heckled by the owner, Ken Stevens, after "The Angry Comic" splashed beer all over his face as part of a punchline. Mr. Stevens yelled out from the back of the club "You break it...you buy it" referring to the mic. Mr. Stevens should have waited till after the show to pull the comic aside if their were any true concerns. I could find no video of this incident.
This kind of incompetence never occurred when Desmond Dailey was hosting. Apparently, this is not the professionalism the owner was looking for when he replaced a great host, like Mr. Dailey, with the likes of Jay "Trauma" Washington.
The owner of Riddles Comedy Club, Ken Stevens, can be reached at ken@myriddlescomedyclub.com
I dont know how to sign up for an account on here nor do I have the time but I wil not post anonymously.
I am Jay "Trauma" Washington and Im going to to address whoever felt as though they want to anonymously post whom I feel may be a comic or may not regardless I will state who and I how I feel. As far as Patrick getting pulled that is merely the call of the owner. Whose right hand had spoken to Mr Bagdon in regards to the level of language he did not want. I was even told not to use the term "mother F*&ker" and have not. As an employee of the club I am doing a job and following what a supervisor (the owner)says. I feel that talent is talent comedy is comedy funny is funny and not funny is not funny point blank.
The situation with the performer stating he was trying a new character well between myself and Desmond (a licensed minister) who found it offensive it was decided he be pulled. There have been many comedy show and open mics where the host will tell a joke or two about the proceeding performer if he does good or the proverbial bomb and sometimes it wont happen. That situation happened and it is over and done.
In regards to the situation with Alex that may have been true about the owner should have pulled him to the side but i have been in an reputable UPSCALE comedy club where the owner got on the back of the mic and told the owner to either tell jokes or get off of the stage.
The Two drink minimum is a plain and simple reason. The admission for the open mic is free for both patrons and performers and people purchasing drinks pay for the lights which are used to operate the club that day and the staff and thats as simple as Business 101 you have to offset your overhead. If everyone just came in and performed and no one put any money back into the club there would be no room open for an open mic just the days when the booked shows happen watched and NO ONE would have a free stage to perform on.
Now I am a very personable individual and if at ANY point you have an issue with how I am running the room per the instructions of the owner please without any hesitation feel free to come to me person to person face to face and without any disdain aggression or negativity I will address the issue as I did with a female patron after an incident in which Patrick was pulled.
I feel if this is a comic who has posted the previous statements being behind the veil may be the best bet because it will show that you have not developed the thick skin that is needed in this business and how different club owners handle their establishment. I myself am still growing and learning but again I have come to see that and understand that what and how an owner wants their club operated and ran is STRICTLY at their discretion
Riddle Comedy Club has the best open mic on Monday's great hosts, good raw talent, the club is awesome and the Owner has been in business for 20 years and books top notch acts, Has always treated us with respect and runs a clean establishment. I love this place!
Read the above few posts which I find curious. However, if it's stated before the show you should keep it clean, you should keep it clean.
Most clubs use open mics to find their hosts/feature acts. Most clubs want their hosts/features to work clean. If you know they want a clean set, give them a clean set. Now, if it wasn't asked for, then caveat emptor.
What I will say about the incident of a comedian splashing a beer in his face is this: as a producer, if a comic did that, I'd be upset. Both over the concern of my equipment, and the after-effect on the stage to following performers.
I heard that this badslava sight had a few comments about an incident involving me,Patrick Bagdon. #1 it may surprise you to know that although I realize that any press is good press I am not really all that thrilled about having this issue discussed in an arena where until very recently I did not even know about it. I do appreciate the support so thank you whoever you are. #2 I have no problems with Jay other than the fact that on the same evening I was pulled after having asked what exactly the "Rules" were And told by the bartender (3 f*cks in a 5 minute set and no C*nt) I followed those rules and was yanked anyway. If you want to change the rules at least tell me what they are. My issue came later that evening when another comic went on stage and said F*CK 27 times and not only was Jay not pulling him but he was in the back laughing his ass off. I pulled the bartender aside and politely asked him why this guy wasn't getting yanked? And he at that time told Jay to pull him which Jay did with an obvious amount of regret. Jay and this other comic instantly walked outside in a huff where I assume they talked about what had happened. I enjoy Riddles and the crowd that goes there, but I do wish that the rules were #1 more plainly listed and also #2 not varied from one act to another.
I talked to Jay about this and told him how I feel. I respect Jay and I understand how hard it is to host a show. You are balancing your own feelings as an artist with the fact that management and customers and money and your own future in that gig need to be considered.
As an artist I think it sucks that George Carlin is on the outside of the building at Riddles and yet censorship happens there on a regular basis, but as a grown up I understand money talks and BS walks. When I am able to sell out stadiums like George did I am sure they will have me back and let me say F*ck and C*nt all night long. My only dealings with the owner Mr. Stevens have been very nice. Whatever feelings he may or may not have about me I have only known him to be friendly.
At any rate you should come to Riddles on Mondays because as you have seen here anything can happen HAHAHA!!!!
I have been doing it for a few months now, and it found to very productive and communal. This is not another open mic where comics don't laugh and sit on their hands,waiting for their sets. Everyone goes out there and tries.
Riddle's staff is helpful and open to everybody. They serve the crowd during the show. They have a greatly underrated room by the way too.
It's really easy place to find, and fun time for the weekend feature shows too.
This is a great room, especially if you're a southsider. Jay does a great job of keeping things running by running everyone with a 5 minute set. As for the use of language, I didn't see a whole lot of policing of it. Jay lays out the rules before the show and asks the comics to watch the over use of profanity, but never cut anyone off because of it. My only complaint is that I wished I lived closer to this place.
To whomever posted the kind words... I say thank you. This is Desmond Dailey. Riddles is still having the open mic mondays. I am currently hosting again. so feel free to come on out and get your stage time...
when I went here it was a good crowd. the comics were funny. the owner gave me a critique on my preformance, which really helped. Thank you Ken. I will be back!!!
I drove 30 miles to be there last nigh, well worth it. Did a new set and it went over great. I have paid to perform at places that sucked! Fantastic energy, good set up, great place for comedy. As for the rules everything was spelled out, what you can not say, time limit, and all. If your a dickhead you will hate this place. If you can follow simple rules, you will love this room. See you there next time.
As a newbie in standup scene I have found Riddles to be a great spot to work out new stuff. Jay has always been a good host and given every comic their fair shake.
As far as people bitching about drink minimums. Really? Get a life. If you can't afford to buy a couple 3 dollar beers then maybe you need to work on other stuff besides your material.
I am new to comedy and finally going out to other areas other than the local area. I kept meaning to check out riddles and finally found the chance to do so.
It was a fun experience. Nothing bad to report. Jay is a good dude and funny too.
If you get the chance check this place out, it wont dissapoint.
The place is cool. Comics and the staff support each other. One complaint....get your butts in there on Thursday comics!!!I have a shitty work schedule and cant make it Mondays!!!!
Jay is a talented host and a great dude but I have seen and heard about this mic only having 15 comics in the crowd and that's it. Too much of a drive to not have an audience to perform for. I'd like to give it another chance
To the above poster, sometimes it is a very small crowd full of comics and other times it is not. Either way, when there are all comics in the crowd they are responsive. This is really a good place to work out new material, no pressure really. Also, the lighting and the sound system make it a pretty good place to record video of yourself.
i told some blo job jokes and was essentially thrown off stage and then the host attempted to humiliate me. another guy told a story of shitting his pants and after the host tried to act like he did something wrong. cool room tho. ill be back, and maybe they will tell me im not welcome anymore. oh well
Went to Riddles open mic for the first time last night (long drive for me). I don't understand the criticism at all? There were 20 Comics and a great audience! I bought a bucket of ice old Bud in bottles (5) for $10. Jay Washington is a super host and ran a tight fun show. Several guest acts also had time on stage. I went on stage around #14 and I got some good laughs! I used the F word several times? As did most everyone else. Perhaps there might be a tasteful way to use the F word? I think it is wise to create material that will work with or without it. (I was prepared to not use it). But hey, I'm just a rookie? What do I know? Anyway, I plan to be more of a regular here, and I heard alot of comics mention that they want MORE to show up on Thursday nights too! Riddles made it clear to everyone that when (if?) you get GOOD ENOUGH... They will ask for your help on other nights.
I did my first open mic ever here this past Monday. It's really not as stiff as commenters mention here. I had a blast... got the laughs I needed to believe I should do it again. And I will. See you Monday.
I have performed at 4 open mikes at Riddles now, and I attended one as an interested audience member. Jay Washington does a superb job of outlining policies prior to the performance. And for the record, I can't say that anyone has been pulled off the stage before five minutes was up. Five minutes is not an extended amount of time, and it actually elapses quite quickly. Admittedly, I am probably the cleanest comic there, but I still get laughs, even though I'm just starting out. I have never felt persecuted.
The crowd is,occasionally, quite small. However, the comics there are not afraid to laugh. We all realize that is how we figure out if stuff is funny. Try doing a clean five minutes some time. You will be a better comic for it. Riddles is definitely worth a Monday night.
J wash sucks as a host. lol just kidding! He's a wonderful comedian. I pray that he will continue to grow in his career. For all comedians that come to riddles, please know that 10 times out of 10 you are and amature. Therefore, do not expect the treatment of a super star. Just know that you are there to work out jokes and build your craft. I really love riddles and i would have to say that I had a better time there than at Jokes and Notes.
Supportive room somewhat. Does feel a little divided into cliques, after the show. Jay the host is weak, but he seems to think a lot of himself. The open is decent, considering it's the only one in the the south suburbs.
It's a good room to practice your jokes in front of often times, a room full of comics. You can work up to "MC opportunities" but this isn't really explained to you unless you know people inside. It's also the most strict room that I've ever been to. This means, you can't say certain words (noted beforehand), you can't leave early, and you must buy 2 drinks (which is fine I'm not a cheap ass). Jay "Trauma" has some good material and keeps the show flowing, but thinks a lot of himself. Still a pretty good room.
i was there in early november. overall i enjoyed it. jay is friendly, lively and funny. he stressed to show respect to fellow comics,but he went out of the room several times to watch the saints - eagles game. jay where is the respect there? he also cut the comics' time so he could watch the end of the game. he also insulted a couple of the comics, although i think he was unaware of it. i really don't mean to ride him so much, but he could have given the comic a little more time when the mic's battery died. overall a really good time and there were some funny comics there. nice to see some women go up there. i will go again. jay maybe had a bad night,but he impresses me as being a nice guy.
Small crowds and you get 5 minutes. Eventhough you are signed up you may get bumped for the MCs friends.
ReplyDeletePeople at open mic's will always get bumped by veteran and polished acts you must have been one who really has little talent
ReplyDeleteThe only open mic I've ever been to where comedians have been admonished for leaving after their set and not waiting for the show to end. This was done not only by the host but the owner of the venue. I had stayed to the end because I had hoped to talk with the owner, so it wasn't a problem. But, as far as I remember, comedians weren't told beforehand to stay to the end.
ReplyDeleteAt the week I was there, I was told people who left before the end of the show would not be allowed to come back the next week. I'm not sure if this was a one-time thing or a continuing practice.
Now, as far as an open mic goes, I had a lot of fun. A nice venue (which didn't impose a drink special or cover for performers) and Desmond Dailey is a fantastic host, trying to bring up comedians on a positive note while not using the venue as a spot to do a lot of time up front.
As a bar, Riddles is great. The staff is always friendly and the owner always makes time to talk to you, if you wish to speak to him. As an open-mic venue, Riddles is not the place to go if you're material isn't G Rated. Comics get pulled off the stage if the owner doesn't agree with their material. This is a rule put forth by the owner and enforced by his staff. I was under the impression that an open-mic at a comedy club, which is 21 and over, was open to all comics. As a comic and a patron, I was greatly offended to learn that I was not allowed to be entertained by comics labeled inappropriate. I asked why a certain comic was pulled 2 minutes into his promised 5 minute set. By the way, this comic was getting laughs the entire time he was up there. It was explained to me that the owner is only looking for comics to please a "certain" crowd. Funny, but the only crowd there on Monday nights is the comics and they all seemed pleased with his performance. I was told that if I wanted to attend a true open-mic, I needed to go to Jokes and Notes. I guess I will.
ReplyDeleteThis is just a censorship issue for me. Not that I need 5 minutes of vulgar jokes to make me laugh, but I'd like the freedom to do so, if I so choose. I attend open-mics to hear and experience all the comics. I'm not going to cry about the harsh ones any more than I'm going to boo the boring ones.
All I'm saying is, be warned, you are going to be censored at this venue. If you like being told what you can and can't say in your set, you'll love this place.
I was in the audience that night and i dont thinking talking about twats,beheading and fisting is comedy.
ReplyDeleteIts not about censorship its about what is actual comedy and can you really judge and say that something is funny when as you said its only comics
Who gets to decide what counts as "actual comedy"? If you like it and some other guy is offended, is it that guy that gets to decide? Surely you can see the flaw in that logic.
DeleteActually, you are exactly the kind of person who won't.
Wait. On second thought, I've come around on this... Let's just make you the guys that decides what counts as comedy. It'll just be easier.
DeleteI believe the the comic in question may have not been funny, but people like you will never get that that's not the point. You are the kind of person who'd agree to burn a certain category of books if you didn't like them because you are an intellectually bankrupt cunt.
Anything is funny. Any twat who doesn't know that should get fisted and then have their head cut off.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with the above comment in theory. I think the point they were trying to make is that you can tell a joke about anything. The comic they are talking about is named Patrick Bagdon. I was there that night also and I would have to admit that some of his jokes caught me a bit off guard,but so what? He was still funny. If you disliked him that much don't go to his shows from now on. If he puts out a CD don't buy it. If he walks on stage get up and use the bathroom. But to say what comedy "IS" or "IS NOT" is just stupid. Not everyone should have to be restricted to material about puppies and ice cream because a few narrow minded people can't take a joke. Maybe somebody with your limited sense of humor should stay out of comedy clubs since they tell f*cking jokes there.
ReplyDeleteJust an update:
ReplyDeleteThe host is no longer Desmond Dailey. The new host, Jay "Trauma" Washington, stated there is a 2 drink min. for performers. Riddles Comedy Club is the only venue I have ever patronized where both the host & the owner, Ken Stevens, HECKLES the performers. It was both Mr. Stevens & Mr. Washington who pulled Patrick Bagdon on two separate occasions after Mr. Bagdon paid for his 2 drink min.
Videos of the incident with Patrick Bagdon can be found thru his own website and Facebook Group Page.
http://www.betterwithketchup.com/
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1430479285131&oid=148299651876646
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1422742931727&oid=148299651876646
Video of the incident where the host heckles a performer can be found on comedian George "Milkdud" Poe's Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=162447937122564
In this video, you can hear the performer saying "I'm trying a new character". Which is what an open-mic is to a performer, an opportunity to try new material. This performer was also pulled from his set like Patrick Bagdon. But the host, Jay “Trauma” Washington continued to make the performer even more uncomfortable by heckling him. A childish verbal altercation ensues which ended with "Yo Daddy!"
Alex "The Angry Comic" was the performer who was heckled by the owner, Ken Stevens, after "The Angry Comic" splashed beer all over his face as part of a punchline. Mr. Stevens yelled out from the back of the club "You break it...you buy it" referring to the mic. Mr. Stevens should have waited till after the show to pull the comic aside if their were any true concerns. I could find no video of this incident.
This kind of incompetence never occurred when Desmond Dailey was hosting. Apparently, this is not the professionalism the owner was looking for when he replaced a great host, like Mr. Dailey, with the likes of Jay "Trauma" Washington.
The owner of Riddles Comedy Club, Ken Stevens, can be reached at ken@myriddlescomedyclub.com
I dont know how to sign up for an account on here nor do I have the time but I wil not post anonymously.
ReplyDeleteI am Jay "Trauma" Washington and Im going to to address whoever felt as though they want to anonymously post whom I feel may be a comic or may not regardless I will state who and I how I feel. As far as Patrick getting pulled that is merely the call of the owner. Whose right hand had spoken to Mr Bagdon in regards to the level of language he did not want. I was even told not to use the term "mother F*&ker" and have not. As an employee of the club I am doing a job and following what a supervisor (the owner)says. I feel that talent is talent comedy is comedy funny is funny and not funny is not funny point blank.
The situation with the performer stating he was trying a new character well between myself and Desmond (a licensed minister) who found it offensive it was decided he be pulled. There have been many comedy show and open mics where the host will tell a joke or two about the proceeding performer if he does good or the proverbial bomb and sometimes it wont happen. That situation happened and it is over and done.
In regards to the situation with Alex that may have been true about the owner should have pulled him to the side but i have been in an reputable UPSCALE comedy club where the owner got on the back of the mic and told the owner to either tell jokes or get off of the stage.
The Two drink minimum is a plain and simple reason. The admission for the open mic is free for both patrons and performers and people purchasing drinks pay for the lights which are used to operate the club that day and the staff and thats as simple as Business 101 you have to offset your overhead. If everyone just came in and performed and no one put any money back into the club there would be no room open for an open mic just the days when the booked shows happen watched and NO ONE would have a free stage to perform on.
Now I am a very personable individual and if at ANY point you have an issue with how I am running the room per the instructions of the owner please without any hesitation feel free to come to me person to person face to face and without any disdain aggression or negativity I will address the issue as I did with a female patron after an incident in which Patrick was pulled.
I feel if this is a comic who has posted the previous statements being behind the veil may be the best bet because it will show that you have not developed the thick skin that is needed in this business and how different club owners handle their establishment. I myself am still growing and learning but again I have come to see that and understand that what and how an owner wants their club operated and ran is STRICTLY at their discretion
Riddle Comedy Club has the best open mic on Monday's great hosts, good raw talent, the club is awesome and the Owner has been in business for 20 years and books top notch acts, Has always treated us with respect and runs a clean establishment. I love this place!
ReplyDeleteRead the above few posts which I find curious. However, if it's stated before the show you should keep it clean, you should keep it clean.
ReplyDeleteMost clubs use open mics to find their hosts/feature acts. Most clubs want their hosts/features to work clean. If you know they want a clean set, give them a clean set. Now, if it wasn't asked for, then caveat emptor.
What I will say about the incident of a comedian splashing a beer in his face is this: as a producer, if a comic did that, I'd be upset. Both over the concern of my equipment, and the after-effect on the stage to following performers.
I heard that this badslava sight had a few comments about an incident involving me,Patrick Bagdon. #1 it may surprise you to know that although I realize that any press is good press I am not really all that thrilled about having this issue discussed in an arena where until very recently I did not even know about it. I do appreciate the support so thank you whoever you are. #2 I have no problems with Jay other than the fact that on the same evening I was pulled after having asked what exactly the "Rules" were And told by the bartender (3 f*cks in a 5 minute set and no C*nt) I followed those rules and was yanked anyway. If you want to change the rules at least tell me what they are. My issue came later that evening when another comic went on stage and said F*CK 27 times and not only was Jay not pulling him but he was in the back laughing his ass off. I pulled the bartender aside and politely asked him why this guy wasn't getting yanked? And he at that time told Jay to pull him which Jay did with an obvious amount of regret. Jay and this other comic instantly walked outside in a huff where I assume they talked about what had happened. I enjoy Riddles and the crowd that goes there, but I do wish that the rules were #1 more plainly listed and also #2 not varied from one act to another.
ReplyDeleteI talked to Jay about this and told him how I feel. I respect Jay and I understand how hard it is to host a show. You are balancing your own feelings as an artist with the fact that management and customers and money and your own future in that gig need to be considered.
As an artist I think it sucks that George Carlin is on the outside of the building at Riddles and yet censorship happens there on a regular basis, but as a grown up I understand money talks and BS walks. When I am able to sell out stadiums like George did I am sure they will have me back and let me say F*ck and C*nt all night long. My only dealings with the owner Mr. Stevens have been very nice. Whatever feelings he may or may not have about me I have only known him to be friendly.
At any rate you should come to Riddles on Mondays because as you have seen here anything can happen HAHAHA!!!!
This is an awesome..AWESOME open mic.
ReplyDeleteI have been doing it for a few months now, and it found to very productive and communal. This is not another open mic where comics don't laugh and sit on their hands,waiting for their sets. Everyone goes out there and tries.
Riddle's staff is helpful and open to everybody. They serve the crowd during the show. They have a greatly underrated room by the way too.
It's really easy place to find, and fun time for the weekend feature shows too.
This is a great room, especially if you're a southsider. Jay does a great job of keeping things running by running everyone with a 5 minute set. As for the use of language, I didn't see a whole lot of policing of it. Jay lays out the rules before the show and asks the comics to watch the over use of profanity, but never cut anyone off because of it. My only complaint is that I wished I lived closer to this place.
ReplyDeleteTo whomever posted the kind words... I say thank you. This is Desmond Dailey. Riddles is still having the open mic mondays. I am currently hosting again. so feel free to come on out and get your stage time...
ReplyDeletewhen I went here it was a good crowd. the comics were funny. the owner gave me a critique on my preformance, which really helped. Thank you Ken. I will be back!!!
ReplyDeleteI drove 30 miles to be there last nigh, well worth it. Did a new set and it went over great. I have paid to perform at places that sucked! Fantastic energy, good set up, great place for comedy. As for the rules everything was spelled out, what you can not say, time limit, and all. If your a dickhead you will hate this place. If you can follow simple rules, you will love this room. See you there next time.
ReplyDeleteAs a newbie in standup scene I have found Riddles to be a great spot to work out new stuff. Jay has always been a good host and given every comic their fair shake.
ReplyDeleteAs far as people bitching about drink minimums. Really? Get a life. If you can't afford to buy a couple 3 dollar beers then maybe you need to work on other stuff besides your material.
I am new to comedy and finally going out to other areas other than the local area. I kept meaning to check out riddles and finally found the chance to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun experience. Nothing bad to report. Jay is a good dude and funny too.
If you get the chance check this place out, it wont dissapoint.
The place is cool. Comics and the staff support each other. One complaint....get your butts in there on Thursday comics!!!I have a shitty work schedule and cant make it Mondays!!!!
ReplyDeleteJay is a talented host and a great dude but I have seen and heard about this mic only having 15 comics in the crowd and that's it. Too much of a drive to not have an audience to perform for. I'd like to give it another chance
ReplyDeleteTo the above poster, sometimes it is a very small crowd full of comics and other times it is not. Either way, when there are all comics in the crowd they are responsive. This is really a good place to work out new material, no pressure really. Also, the lighting and the sound system make it a pretty good place to record video of yourself.
ReplyDeletei told some blo job jokes and was essentially thrown off stage and then the host attempted to humiliate me. another guy told a story of shitting his pants and after the host tried to act like he did something wrong. cool room tho. ill be back, and maybe they will tell me im not welcome anymore. oh well
ReplyDeleteWas it the fact that they were blow job jokes that got you booted off the stage? Or were you being unnecessarily graphic?
ReplyDeleteWent to Riddles open mic for the first time last night (long drive for me). I don't understand the criticism at all?
ReplyDeleteThere were 20 Comics and a great audience! I bought a bucket of ice old Bud in bottles (5) for $10.
Jay Washington is a super host and ran a tight fun show. Several guest acts also had time on stage.
I went on stage around #14 and I got some good laughs! I used the F word several times? As did most everyone else.
Perhaps there might be a tasteful way to use the F word?
I think it is wise to create material that will work with or without it. (I was prepared to not use it).
But hey, I'm just a rookie? What do I know?
Anyway, I plan to be more of a regular here, and I heard alot of comics mention that they want MORE to show up on Thursday nights too!
Riddles made it clear to everyone that when (if?) you get GOOD ENOUGH... They will ask for your help on other nights.
I did my first open mic ever here this past Monday. It's really not as stiff as commenters mention here. I had a blast... got the laughs I needed to believe I should do it again. And I will. See you Monday.
ReplyDeleteI have performed at 4 open mikes at Riddles now, and I attended one as an interested audience member. Jay Washington does a superb job of outlining policies prior to the performance. And for the record, I can't say that anyone has been pulled off the stage before five minutes was up. Five minutes is not an extended amount of time, and it actually elapses quite quickly. Admittedly, I am probably the cleanest comic there, but I still get laughs, even though I'm just starting out. I have never felt persecuted.
ReplyDeleteThe crowd is,occasionally, quite small. However, the comics there are not afraid to laugh. We all realize that is how we figure out if stuff is funny. Try doing a clean five minutes some time. You will be a better comic for it. Riddles is definitely worth a Monday night.
J wash sucks as a host. lol just kidding! He's a wonderful comedian. I pray that he will continue to grow in his career. For all comedians that come to riddles, please know that 10 times out of 10 you are and amature. Therefore, do not expect the treatment of a super star. Just know that you are there to work out jokes and build your craft. I really love riddles and i would have to say that I had a better time there than at Jokes and Notes.
ReplyDeleteSupportive room somewhat. Does feel a little divided into cliques, after the show. Jay the host is weak, but he seems to think a lot of himself. The open is decent, considering it's the only one in the the south suburbs.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good room to practice your jokes in front of often times, a room full of comics. You can work up to "MC opportunities" but this isn't really explained to you unless you know people inside. It's also the most strict room that I've ever been to. This means, you can't say certain words (noted beforehand), you can't leave early, and you must buy 2 drinks (which is fine I'm not a cheap ass). Jay "Trauma" has some good material and keeps the show flowing, but thinks a lot of himself. Still a pretty good room.
ReplyDeletei was there in early november. overall i enjoyed it. jay is friendly,
ReplyDeletelively and funny. he stressed to show respect to fellow comics,but he
went out of the room several times to watch the saints - eagles game.
jay where is the respect there? he also cut the comics' time so he could watch the end of the game. he also insulted a couple of the comics, although i think he was unaware of it. i really don't mean to
ride him so much, but he could have given the comic a little more time when the mic's battery died. overall a really good time and there were some funny comics there. nice to see some women go up there. i will go again. jay maybe had a bad night,but he impresses me as being a nice guy.
thank you,unsigned