Window Of Opportunity

Saturday May 16th, 2009 - Chicago, IL

Jerry’s Kidders are adapting rather nicely to our WGN scenario. This was week number three and I thought we started to hit stride as a team. We already knew each other but now we’re adjusting to our surroundings and how things are done at WGN. It’s a lot different.

First off we’re in a completely different studio situation. WLS had us sequestered away in a tiny little studio buried in the bowels of a downtown Chicago building. We were near a cluster of elevators so once in a great while a hot looking intern would walk past us but it wasn’t often enough to look forward to. We pretty much had to create our own energy.

WGN’s studio is a glass enclosed zoo cage right on Michigan Avenue. There are lots of people mulling around and peeking in to see if they recognize anyone inside. Even if they don’t they still smile and wave when we wave at them and there’s a steady flow all day.

That may take some getting used to for radio people but for the three of us it’s water to a duck. We’re used to performing for live audiences and we know how to feed off of their energy one way or another. If we can get a live audience to be part of this we’re golden.

The weather was gorgeous today so there was an even bigger crowd rubbernecking in at us this week than there was the last two weeks combined. They were up against the studio glass and apparently they can hear us on air. I could see a lot of them laughing out loud.

When the bit is going well there’s a total rhythm in motion and that’s part of why it’s so much fun. We’re all in the same comic groove and it’s like a band performing live. We’re all in the moment together and when it works it’s down right splendiferous. What will put it over the top and make it even better would be to include a live audience every time out.

I don’t see that being a problem as the concept takes off and develops into a familiar bit with WGN listeners. Even those who don’t listen can figure out in about five seconds that we’re a group of (hopefully) funny people doing jokes back and forth. It won’t be difficult to figure that out and like today there will be some who will stay and watch and enjoy it.

A couple of times today I was able to hit a punch line and make eye contact with people as I did it and I saw them laugh. I gave a couple of thumbs ups and got some back but that will evolve as we settle in. There will be those who just come out to give us all the finger.

I’m fine with that too. I can handle it. It might be fun to yank my Levi’s down and shoot a pasty white moon shot right in their faces but this is WGN so I’ll fight that urge. We all know where we are. We need to ease ourselves in steadily and establish our brand name.

So far so good. It really feels good to see those people looking in at us and laughing out loud. As we get fans we’ll go outside and shake every hand and thank them for taking the time to come out and see us. This could be a fantastic opportunity to network every week and build a loyal following. We all see it and we love that we’re seeing. This can work!