The Time I Visited The Mothership

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Looking back, comedy has always been a companion.

At the ripe age of twelve, a friendship beyond the confines of our 104 block was formed. A connection forged that introduced me to a whole new world of entertainment. Being that this new friend was six years older than me, he was about all kinds of shit. Including late night television.

At his pad on Cypress Ave, I found myself on an expedition through Liberty cables endless realms. We would will away the hours, immersed in a variety of shows like Wally George, Liquid Television, Beavis and Butthead and HBO’s late night programming. However, it was the comedy specials of the legendary George Carlin that left a mark upon my impressionable young mind.

In the era of Norm McDonald and Bob Cat Goldthwait, I was introduced to Sam Kinison, Rodeney Dangerfield, Richard Pryor, and Andrew Dice Clay.

Carlin's audacious and black-humored performances resonated with me on a profoundly subliminal level. He deftly explored politics, the English language, psychology, religion, and many taboo subjects, carving a niche in my consciousness that would endure for years to come.

As time marched forward, the world around us swirled with the winds of political strife and social issues. Race relations, Latin American culture, the criminal justice system, and our social class became the focal points of our conversations. It was during these turbulent times that two comedians burst onto the scene, blazing a trail with their wit and candor—Carlos Mencia and George Lopez. To keep up with their wild brand of comedy, we scoured for tapes and eagerly awaited their appearances on "Que Locos" on Galavision. And then, like a thunderclap in the night, Chris Rock emerged in 1996 with his iconic HBO special "Bring the Pain," solidifying his status as a comedic powerhouse.

The year 1999 ushered in a new chapter in my life. Fresh out of high school and flush with newfound independence and some spare change, my comedy exposure expanded exponentially with the release of "Bigger and Blacker." We watched it religiously, marveling at the comedic genius of the inimitable Chris Rock. Fast forward to 2003, a year of personal upheaval marked by divorce, and it was Dave Chappelle's legendary show that set the world of comedy ablaze like never before. Compelled by an insatiable hunger for laughter, I found myself venturing to the Ice House comedy club in Pasadena. Drunk and stoned, I witnessed the comedic prowess of many including Jeff Garcia, Joey Diaz, Pablo Francisco, and Joe Rogan.

Joe Rogan brought me back to my child hood. His unapologetic, loud, and controversial style of comedy resonated with my own outlook on life—a perfect recipe for my unique blend of humor. I mean, who could resist the allure of smoking weed, talking shit, and delving into the mysteries of Bigfoot and extraterrestrials?

The past 20 years have been a roller coaster ride of mindless laughter and experiences across the comedy spectrum made available through live shows at the Universal Amphitheater, Cobbs Comedy club in San Francisco, the Ice House, The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, the Balboa Theatre in San Diego, The Wiltern, The Grove in Anaheim, The Laugh Factory in Long Beach, The Brea Improv, The REC ROOM in Huntington Beach, the Irvine Improv, The Comedy Store in Hollywood, Transplants Brewing Co in Palmdale or watching specials wherever available.

During the covid 19 pandemic shut down, the inception of “cancel culture” and Los Angeles rotting at its core, Rogan fled to Texas. Word soon spread that he would open up his own comedy club appropriately named, the Comedy Mothership.

On March 15th 2023, a few days after its opening, I had the pleasure of visiting the Comedy Mother Ship in Austin.

That night, I arrived an hour early and I got in line around the corner of 6th Street and Trinity, took some edibles and hit my Stiizy as I waited to enter the newly remodeled Ritz Theater. I walked in alone with excitement, sat dead center with three total strangers whom atttended college. I came to find out that one happened to have lived in South Gate, my hometown, during his high school years. They were amazed that I flew in from LA just for the show but also understood as they were also diehard fans.

I ordered 2 Double Jack n Coke’s, 2 Shiner Bock beers, a shot of Don Julio and strapped in for the ride. The crowd was lively and we were ready.

The lights went out, the show began. A newcomer, Ehsan Ahmad was good. The hysterical Brian Simpson had me dying with laughter. David Lucas made famous on Kill Tony was freaking hilarious. Tony Hinchcliffe brought the fucking thunder. Shane Gillis surprised us all and killed it.

Joe Rogan closed out the show and did not disappoint.

No phones were allowed

I had a fucking blast!

Check out the ‘That’s Dope’ page for some pics of my trip