Growing Up, Laughing

I lost both of my parents during my 20’s. Yet, the memories survive, and the best ones are, of us laughing.

Growing up and laughing together, with my parents, was part of the fabric that made us a family. Mom always wanted to be in on the joke, she adored laughing, but didn’t like anything too “dirty.”

My father and I shared a more twisted sense of humor. In 1974, my dad took me to see the Mel Brooks classic, Blazing Saddles. I was 12. Some people might say I was too young for some of the humor, and I was.

A lot of the gimmicks and double entendres went over my head. But, the bean eating scene, IYKYK, caused us both to fall out of our seats, onto the sticky theater floor, and 40 years later I remember every moment, as if it was yesterday.

That is partly behind why I’ve dedicated the last 17 years of my life to putting on comedy shows and comedy festivals in Santa Cruz.

I believe everyone should have access to laughter. It’s as important to mental health as therapy, and as crucial to general well-being as oxygen and food.. And, along the way, I’ve mentored dozens of comics.

Not in any tutorial way, just by providing safe spaces for comics (and audiences) to grow.

Now with thousands of comedy shows, city-wide festivals, and series under my belt, I’m confident in saying that the 11th Annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival on October 1st through 5th is my best effort thus far. I designed it not only for the sixty plus comedians who will be transported from the 17 stages by bicycle pedicabs, but for friends and families, who want to share in laughter.

What kind of comedy is right for your child? That’s only a question you can answer. I imagine their comedy tastes might be more mature than you expect. I’ll do my best to give some insight and guidance on what the festival offers.

There are amazing ticketed headliner shows at The Rio (three national headliners on one show), The Vets Hall (The Endless Honeymoon Podcast) and at The Kuumbwa with comic/actor Doug Benson (Doug Loves Movies). But with you in mind, there are a number of free shows.

On Oct. 5, in downtown Santa Cruz, you can take a walking comedy tour from stage to stage, and it’s free.

If you want to share it with your children, we recommend 13+ and 15+ for others, but again, you know your kids. If your 13-year-old loves comedy, take a chance and create a core memory.

At 11:30am, out at the Homeless Garden Project, in the middle of a bountiful garden, is comedian Sam Miller. All the way from Olympia, WA, Miller is 6 foot 6 and 380 pounds. Until a decade ago, Miller was homeless in the Northwest. Comedy has turned Miller’s life around and he has a unique story to share.
At 4:30pm at Streetlight Records is our annual Musical Comedy Showcase. Take this with a grain of beach sand, but it’s a very punk rock experience. I’ve brought back three comedians who live in three states to have a reunion with their folk band, The Satan Sisters. They’re delightfully weird. Plus other musical comedy acts from SF and LA.

At 6:30pm we have a special festival event at The Abbey. While I am recommending this for children 13+, please note this isn’t balloon animals and sad clowns.

Also, at the same time, at Get Faded Barbershop, we have a more adult show, but still suitable for your advanced teen.

The important thing is to remember to laugh. As Wavy Gravy once told me, “Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.”

For more information and tickets go to www.santacruzcomedyfestival.com If you have a specific question, want to volunteer or sponsor, feel free to reach out at [email protected]

By DNA