STAND-UP TUESDAYS: ‘I Am Road Comic’

July 1st, 2014

Angie Frissore

Stand-Up Tuesdays is a weekly comedy spotlight written by the wonderfully talented Angie Frissore. Covering both known and unknown comics, Stand-up Tuesdays is your new source for all things funny. This week, Angie puts a spotlight on Jordan Brady’s I Am Road Comic. If you or your comedy troupe would like to be featured on Stand-Up Tuesdays, please email utgjames@gmail.com.

This week in Stand-Up Tuesdays, we take a look at the long-awaited follow-up to Jordan Brady’s 2010 cult hit documentary, I Am Comic, in which Brady examines the personal and professional lives of road comics. I Am Road Comic, which was released last month, will no doubt enjoy the same success as its predecessor as it brings to light some hard truths about life on the road while also showcasing a random, hellish road gig Brady takes on along with fellow comedian Wayne Federman.

In what is absolutely the best method possible in which to portray the realities of the life of a road comic, Brady and Federman take on a gig at the infamous Jack Didley’s in Kennewick, Washington – a club made famous by their bouncers putting a man into a medically-induced coma. From boarding the flight out to Washington state to finding ways to kill day time without spending money, I Am Road Comic documents Brady’s entire experience, which is simply delightful to see unfold.

Add to the telling of Brady’s story several in-depth interviews with seasoned road comics such as Jim Norton, Alysia Wood, Pete Holmes, Marc Maron and more, and you’ve got an intensely intriguing and eye-opening documentary. Brady focuses on fewer comedians than he did in I Am Comic, which results in a much more targeted and insightful experience. As the viewer, you’re more able to connect with these comedians as they share very personal stories and experiences with Brady. It also allows for much more Pete Holmes hilarity and silliness, which I firmly believe the world always needs.

There are, of course, somewhat opposing views offered by the various comedy veterans as they reflect on the road: Holmes enjoys the simplicity it brings to daily life, whereas Norton is all-too aware that there are really four markets he considers himself successful in. That’s the beauty of I Am Road Comic – there is no one particular way to be a stand-up comedian. The road may be off-putting to some, whereas others see the value in performing to diverse audiences.

I Am Road Comic more than lived up to my own expectations, leaving me fascinated by the dedication of road comics and feeling slightly closer to some of my favorite comedians. Brady not only presents the thoughts and experiences of some highly successful comedians, but takes it one step further by actually showing viewers what it’s like to do the road gig from hell.

You can grab your copy of I Am Road Comic today – which you should do, like, now – and gain a bit more respect for those who come to your town to make you laugh.