Thursday September 9th, 2010 - Sault Ste. Marie, MI The eye of the driving storm. It’s only about 50 miles from St. Ignace, MI to Sault Ste. Marie, but then it’s a marathon to get back home. I live as far away as possible and it’s a haul no matter if I go back through Wisconsin or return the way I came. I’m driving with Kate Brindle, so I’ll end up going the way I came. For today though, I had a short drive. One thing that’s always bothered me is having to cross the Mackinac Bridge. Part of it is the fact that a toll is unavoidable, and I really don’t like paying tolls. There’s no way to avoid it other than going the other way through Wisconsin though, so I’ll have to fork out another $3.50 of my hard earned money to get back on my way. Seven bucks total is a lot. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco was only $5, and they only charge going one way. At least there I’m in The Bay Area, which is a wonderful place. Here, all I get is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. No offense, but that’s not worth $7. Trees should be free. All this is what it is. I’m grateful for the work, and tonight was another red hot show at the Kewadin Casino. These crowds can go in any direction, and I’ve experienced them all in my times performing here. Tonight was a very good one, and they were solid laughers. It’s odd how it works. Kate Brindle is very funny and presents herself well, but they just stared at her for most of her set. She was trying her hardest, and I thought she should have gotten way more response from them than she did. They didn’t hate her, but they sure did react to her differently. I’ve seen it go the other way too. Sometimes the opener gets them. It’s all a random crapshoot, and I thought about that as I was on stage. There were more Canadians in the audience than usual, and they sat right in front. I was able to play to their local sensibilities, as I’ve been to Canada several times and actually enjoy it. That was my advantage, and maybe that’s why I was able to get them and keep them the whole show. Even though I had a very solid show, it occurred to me about halfway through that I was bored with doing these kinds of shows. I’m not ungrateful, and I’m not saying I think I’m better than anyone else. I’m saying I’m sick of driving so far for so little pay without them knowing who I am. Tonight went fine, but there have been many nights where it hasn’t. Those were years of paying dues and acquiring skills. Now I have those skills and being this far from home for so little money really doesn’t thrill me anymore. I was just the guy who was at the FREE SHOW at the comedy club at the casino. There’s no cover charge at either of these shows, and we’re basically a talking buffet or happy hour. I’m sick of that. I’ll be at Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee on Saturday, and this is part of that run. I’m not angry or upset, and the shows were very good here - especially after the brutal week at sea. All I’m saying is, I need to keep working on the ‘Schlitz Happened!’ show because at least that’s something that people will come to see. Or, they won’t. But at least I won’t be just the guy who happens to be on stage when they get there. I need to become the draw.
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