Don’t explain the joke
While one aims for clarity, a comedian doesn’t explain the joke to the audience, even though she knows a portion of them might not get it.
She moves on to the next joke, while the confused scratch their heads.
I love this aspect of comedy. I think songwriters and artists can borrow from that expectation of the audience, that they must do a little work, come to the venue with prior knowledge.
When releasing music that’s challenging, we need to be prepared for part of the audience not to get it. When I was 15, I didn’t get a lot of the themes of the 90s era music, especially the Babes in Toyland record. Now that I’m older, more well-read, and have watch the Riot Grrrl documentary and the Punk Singer, I’m ready to revisit those songs, with ready ears.
Reach out to the listeners who are ready. For the one’s who aren’t, let them scratch their head. That’s often their first step in a wonderful journey of studying up on something new.
* * * * Tap Room’s Comedy Night – Mondays * * *
My friend Alan Black is co-hosting a Monday comedy series in Ypsilanti, MI, and it’s going really well!
No cover. Mix of new and experienced comedians for a great show. Ypsilanti’s Alan Black and Amy Probst host.
More info at their Facebook page.
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