Merci, Danke, Ευχαριστώ, Ačiū, Paldies, Gracias, Dziękuję, Bedankt

​And that’s the end of another run of standup comedy shows in Europe. Final tally:
42 days
39 shows
20 cities
12 countries
20,047 miles (32263 km)
As I head back to the U.S. for some gigs, and put a bow on this latest 6-week foray, I’m reminded that I used to say “well, back to reality.” But that doesn’t apply anymore. I suppose, by default, this is my reality … for now. I think I’m ok with that. I have longed for roots for a while but where to plant, where to plant? Maybe my roots is searching for roots?
Until then, seeing new places, smiling faces and loving your occupation to the point of exhaustion will have to do.
From 10-minute guest spots to 1 hour 20 minute headline runs that felt like we could’ve gone another hour, thank you to all of these venues, bookers or producers who allowed me the space to sweat and giggle:
Lyon: Le Complexe café-théâtre
Berlin: Daniel Gutierrez, Cosmic Comedy Berlin, Go West Comedy, East-West Comedy,
Vilnius: Moonshine Comedy
Riga: Joshua Perkins
Rotterdam: Christos Sougk, Comedy Club Haug
Barcelona: The Comedy Clubhouse
Utrecht: Rachel Morton-Young
Amsterdam: Kendra Borgen
Maastricht: Fedor Ikelaar
Kaiserslautern (and military shows): Erin Crouch
Luxembourg: Carlitos Comedy Club
Krakow: Kraków Standup Comedy
Paris: La Pomme d'Eve, Coucou Comedy, LAUGH ETC, French Fried Comedy, Mic in Progress, Sarah Donnelly, Don't Tell Comedy
Athens: Athens English Comedy Club
Vaduz: Kreativ Akademie
Salzburg: #NarrenCastl
Brussels: Side Splitters Comedy Brussels, Countdown Comedy Club
Ghent: Amai Comedy Club
If you’re a touring comedian in the EU or someone from the States eyeballing this growing market, try any of the above (and others but the list was getting long). They’re putting on a wide variety of shows so if you’re curious, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions.
“Aren’t you worried about the competition?”
No, I’m more worried about making people laugh and helping deliver diverse voices.
The more the merrier!
I would love to shout out every comedian who opened for me, showcased with me or allowed me to guest on their show.
You all fill my soul, inspire me, confuse me sometimes and, ultimately, help us all achieve the goal of getting that almighty chuckle from the audience. I saw some great ones! Got to work with some of the best! And I saw a lot of new potential! Keep doing what you’re doing!! (But PLEASE stop using the phrase “I need to work on my crowd work.”)
To every audience member: Thank you. Thanks to the repeat fans (I’m looking at you Riga, Vilnius and Luxembourg!), the new fans (hopefully…?) and everyone else who thought “let’s reserve a seat and see what this American has to say.” Thank you for showing up and doing your part in this energy exchange.
Continuous thank you hugs and positive thoughts to the friends and friends of friends, old and new. The closest of you, the really close of the close and the chatty acquaintances. I’ve envisioned moving to Europe for quite some time and I thought I had zeroed in on a location, but I get more confused every visit as I have close friends in so many places now. I am blessed. Laughs, tears, gossip, hugs, support, stories, offers, drinks, dinners, drives, hangs, the ups, the downs, you all are my home on the road.
If there’s anywhere new to try, tell me (I see you Thailand, Cambodia and South Africa!)
If any newer comedians ever want to reach out, DM me and I’m happy to offer advice or tell the truth. If I can help your process, I’m there for it.
Any comedians thinking about doing Europe, let me know and I’ll give you the skinny, the contacts and the motivation.
You don’t have to do it like I did…but you should do it!
Til next time…