It was the first place I ever saw my name in "lights." I will never forget that.
I will never forget the amazing staff (Donna!) and the CD of Britney Spears songs that played before every show. I will never forget my first night there, 2 years ago, performing with a comedy duo called "Alex and Valdez." I was extremely nervous. They asked me to switch microphones in between acts, then flick the light switch on and off during their closing bit to synch with the story they were telling. I couldn't have screwed it up more. But, by the 13th show, I had it down.
I will never forget my daily walks down the strip, talking often with vendors outside. I was always hoping the dude selling helicopter rides to the Grand Canyon would cut me a discount. Alas, he never did.
I will never forget watching "Crazy Girls" during shows to pass the time. (How many jobs can YOU legally watch a topless review while at work?) I will never forget my nightly pilgrimages to the buffet; knowing how unhealthy it was; but also knowing it was 1am, it was free, and I was starving.
But mostly, I will never forget January of this year. That was the week that I met Nancy Reed and Clinton Jackson, two comedians who have helped me grow in more ways than they will ever know. Nancy- I will never forget watching the Bellagio lights with you while Sinatra played in the background. I will never forget your kindness, your holistic Whole Foods hotel room, and how nice it was to meet another awesome female comic. I'm so glad we are still friends. Clinton, you are a lifesaver and my comedy has grown leaps and bounds because of you. Thank you for appreciating who I am, as I am, and making me feel like that is just enough.
Coincidentally, the three of us met Robert Schimmel that week; as he was playing the floor above us. We made it a point to watch his show after ours were finished. One night, I was playing slot machines and ran into him and his opener. They sat next to me, and we talked about comedy for an hour. Eventually the conversation went to porn, because 1) it's Robert Schimmel and 2) we're comedians. It's inevitable.
He was telling us all kinds of crazy crap his fans send him. Then he goes, "Want to see some of this???" I honestly didn't know what to say. This was certainly a first. "Sure!" I said, nervously. So, the three of us went to his hotel room and looked at ridiculous porn on his laptop for 3 hours. 3 hours!!! At one point, he found a video of a guy with two, um, you know. And he was getting it on with this chick. I said, "Holy shit- this guy is in an awkward threesome with HIMSELF!" Robert fell on the floor laughing. Tears were coming out of his eyes. I felt so accomplished!
We left around 3am. Before he closed the door, he looked at us and said, "I can't believe I just spent my 60th birthday looking at porn." I had no idea it was his birthday. I had no idea it would be his last. I miss you, Robert. Rest in Peace.
Thank you, Riviera Comedy Club, for the memories. You will be missed.
