Why so few comedy clubs? And few open mic nights? (Miami: sales, insurance)

TootsieWootsie · 09-15-2009, 01:29 PM

OK, someone please explain to me why Florida--the land of vacationers I thought--has so few comedy clubs? And what about open mic nights? It seems to me, upon searching, that Florida has more than the average State, but, considering Florida is the Playcation Capitol of the nation the showing is pretty pathetic.
What is going on with this? Maybe it's cause there are too many geezers and they don't historically watch the Comedy Channel or go to the comedy clubs. That's the only explanation I can come up with.

Lilybeans · 09-15-2009, 01:31 PM

Most so called comedians aren't that funny.

TriMT7 · 09-15-2009, 01:34 PM

Maybe the demand for the comedy clubs isn't great enough.

If there were more demand, there would be more clubs. We probably have as many as the residents and tourists need based on business generated.

Moderate Guy · 09-15-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TootsieWootsie

OK, someone please explain to me why Florida--the land of vacationers I thought--has so few comedy clubs? And what about open mic nights? It seems to me, upon searching, that Florida has more than the average State, but, considering Florida is the Playcation Capitol of the nation the showing is pretty pathetic.
What is going on with this? Maybe it's cause there are too many geezers and they don't historically watch the Comedy Channel or go to the comedy clubs. That's the only explanation I can come up with.

Hey TootiseWootsie, one can only theorize. Maybe any old joke just won't cut it with what you refer to as geezers. Been around, seen a lot, cried enough, laughed a lot. You gotta be real good to make em crack up.

Or maybe the days when everyone was laughing all the way to the bank are long gone along with the clubs. Even if you chuckle into a bank these days, the gesture is rudely returned with a sign that says "closed, gone to auction." People are hurting, jobs are scarce and comedy even scarcer...perhaps one day the clubs will blossom as good jokes return and merriment prevails.

In the meantime, we just gotta settle for a few online chuckles.

TootsieWootsie · 09-15-2009, 02:43 PM

Moderate Guy, I'm a geezer also, but I get your point.
NY and California are still going with comedy clubs, but Florida has NEVER been a mecca of clubs; which surprises me, as I said before, because you think of Florida = vacation and fun = comedy clubs. Just seemed odd to me is all.
Boy, with this stock market I surely could use some great comedy right now myself.

fauve · 09-15-2009, 02:44 PM

my theory for this is the same as for why we have such a dismal live music scene - too far off the beaten track for performers to travel, plus it's not part of the hispanic culture that's prevalent here - this is true for south florida anyway

Moderate Guy · 09-15-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fauve

my theory for this is the same as for why we have such a dismal live music scene - too far off the beaten track for performers to travel, plus it's not part of the hispanic culture that's prevalent here - this is true for south florida anyway

You might have a valid point...as someone who lives there, as you do, would know more accurately.

skylinet · 09-15-2009, 09:20 PM

Improv in West Palm is real nice. think they used to have open mics there too. Heard off the hook on the west coast was decent too. There's also an Improv in Hollywood and Miami...
I wouldn't say there's a shortage of them.

daytonadewd · 09-15-2009, 10:23 PM

Comedy Clubs and Open Mic Nights were the rage in the '90's. Some charged cover, some didn't. They were competing to fill their space from mega dance clubs w/ top entertainment supported by record labels to launch their latest albums. There was also heavy competition from booze/brewing and soft drink companies to pay promotional costs to owners for entertainment based on their sales (but alas, not too much of that anymore).

Comedy and Open Mic acts are NOT just a single performer. There are MANY. This usually costs the club to either pay for each one, or a coordinator for the Open Mic and special insurance riders for performers who might have their equipment damaged, stolen or fall off the stage. This might cost the club owner $500-1K for the night + ADVERTISING (which could be another $1K). Worthwhile, if the draw is there (and these costs helped being underwritten by suppliers).

But in this economy, customers are down, costs are up and people are avoiding paying cover charges (which made up the differences).

WHY NOT JUST HIRE A DJ, SINGLE LIVE (SHORT ACT) OR KARAOKE SETUP FOR $150 FOR THE ENTIRE NIGHT INSTEAD? OR PUT IN A JUKEBOX THAT CUSTOMERS PAY FOR?

Once upon a time, Florida had a thriving live music and comedy scene. Resort hotels ALWAYS had live entertainment for guests in their lounges and provided regular work for entertainers for touring circuits. Also bars, pubs and clubs in metro areas.

It's now 2009! Either sponsor a starving artist yourself to perform, or get with the times and pay the going rates for Live performance tickets!

You can always find tickets online for existing LIVE events/concerts in your area at $75 -$200 per person. So watcha complaining 'bout?

After all, if you want to live in Florida, you'd better be prepared to run with the Big Dawgs!

TootsieWootsie · 09-16-2009, 06:17 AM

daytonadewd, I'm missing your point. Sounds more dismal there than anything. I'm not getting your Big Dawgs comment I guess.
So, you are saying it costs a club $500-$1K + Advertising to have a FREE open mic night once a week? Interesting it would cost so much. However, there are cities like Chicago, DC, LA, NY that still have lots of free open mic nights. That's why I asked how come Florida has so few now. I guess there are just not enough of the younger crowd living there to support having entertainment in this weak, weak economy then in Florida. That makes sense.