Organically Grown Success

Clifford Myers (left) Javier Enrique (right)

There used to be a free regular open mic comedy show that I'd go to every week after work with my buddy Javier who would often go up to do a set. I'd watch the same people do their thing week after week yet it never became dull to me. I was always amazed at the courage these comics had to stand up and take that risk where they might be laughed at instead of the actual jokes. I'd sit really quietly in the audience, off to the side, out of the way and almost hold my breath for each one as they went up. Once they'd start making the room laugh I could feel their anxiety fade and their confidence rise as they continued on; a pretty awesome transition to watch. After The Staircase weekly shows came to a halt due to lack of support from the local community (shame on us Hamilton!) the group of guys continued to set up other gigs at bars across the city, acquired spots on college radio shows and did out of town work in the Toronto and Niagara regions.

Clifford Myers (click on that link and 'Like' his page before you read any further!) was one of the guys I'd find myself silently cheering on from the audience; he shows his passion for his work and I admire that. And even though I had heard many of his same jokes on several occasions, it was a different show at each venue I saw him at. He gets a read on his audience and adapts to them. He can sense the vibes in the room and goes with that flow. This boy is intuitive that way! Outside of his many in-city performances, I saw him also at The Central, Crown & Tiger and Second City in Toronto as well as Club 54 in Burlington. This Friday night I'll be there to cheer him on as he opens again (for a second year!) in Toronto for Craig Gass at the Panasonic Theatre. I feel so proud of this guy and it's not so I can say 'I knew him when' when he becomes rich and famous one day (well.. I might brag about that later in life but it's not what makes me feel how I do for him) I feel proud to know of a guy who over the past few years has been so dedicated to his passion in life and is seeing success because of it. I feel proud that he was organically grown by the love and support of his fans and fellow comics in my hometown. Nothing at all tainted about his success; pure natural talent and devotion is what put him where he is today. I feel pride because I know someone who has the drive in him to set goals and is achieving them. Have a look online at his videos and pages regardless of where you're reading from because one day he might just make an appearance in your own city and you won't want to miss it.  'Like' him on Facebook, Follow him on Twitter @Cliffalus or have a look at his (seldom updated) website to learn more about him. As for you Hamilton, watch for his show listings and go check him out in real life to see what you've been missing.

And Clifford if you read this on Twitter, (which you will because you're a tweet-aholic) know I will sit in the audience with your fans and friends this Friday not-so-silently cheering you on as you continue to grow in the organic success of your comic career; hope you'll feel the energy of those good vibes from way up on stage that we'll be sending your way!
I'd wish you luck as well buddy ..but you won't need it :)

I'm In Love With My City

I believe in supporting my local community as best I can. I shop at local stores, I buy from farmers markets, I eat out at family owned restaurants and drink at establishments operated by people of the city who have invested in their business. I buy tickets for charity groups in our area, go out to Art Crawls and watch comedy shows and bands play at local venues. Hamilton gets a bad rap from so many who focus only on the industrial end of which many of our residents livelihoods are dependant upon. This city is full of culture and diversity and if you truly take the time to appreciate the really great things about it you'll see those things reflected throughout.
I play an active role in the animal rights organizations within the city, my kids play sports at the many beautiful parks and arenas nearby, we visit the AGH and the Royal Botanical Gardens etc but theres so much more to be a part of here; there's a place of interest for everyone, you just have to source it out. There's a new game lounge open downtown, you can roller skate in the outdoor rink at Bayfront Park in the nicer weather or hang out at a Vegan Community Potluck if thats your thing! I could spend hours posting what is going on these days but instead I suggest you check out sites such as Beaux Mondes Jamie Gunner Smith Tourism Hamilton and ihearthamilton or search the hashtag #HamOnt on Twitter. You'll see all that Hamilton has to offer this way AND you'll always be in the know for where the Food Trucks are!!