New Orleans has long been known for its bustling nightlife and world-renowned cuisine and bar scene. Music is, of course, a central part of the culture here in the Crescent City and it’s not unusual to hear the sounds of jazz floating down the streets. So, why, in a city so known for its bustling night-life, has New Orleans not been able to sustain a comedy scene? Larger cities like Boston and Chicago have long been seen as the “minor leagues” for the larger comedy stages of New York and Los Angeles. But, smaller cities like Austin, Denver, and Atlanta have thriving comedy scenes that consistently draw national names and act as incubators for some of the best comics rising to the national stage. New Orleans has had fits and spurts of having a thriving comedy scene, but it hasn’t proven to have consistent staying power.
Sean Patton, a native of New Orleans living in New York, is the star of "English Teacher" on the FX Network, has performed around the country and all over the world. He notes that New Orleans has a very unique and specific culture that makes it hard to cultivate a thriving comedy scene. "This vibe of live now and care later that New Orleans has ... I love that about the city. There's great food, great drinks, and great people. But, comedy demands attention and a willingness to be pushed around a little bit (intellectually)," Patton illustrates. "People go to New Orleans and they're like, 'Why am I going to pay money to get a stranger to make me laugh when I'm out having the time of my life with my friends' and I get that. Other mid-sized cities with more thriving comedy scenes, not to bash those cities, but they generally aren't dealing with a lot of cultural competition. New Orleans has that competition built in" Patton goes on to say.
Benjamin Hoffman is another NOLA comedian who originally hails from Minneapolis. He produces and hosts Moral Panic, a once per month comedy show that happens every third Thursday at local comedy club Sports Drink. He describes the effect that COVID had on a nascent comedy scene that had just begun to consistently thrive in the Crescent City. "There are multiple slices of the blame pie to go around. It would be short-sighted not to mention how much the pandemic screwed things up. There were a lot of people who were years into building this scene up and venues who were years into hosting shows that took a hit at that point," Hoffman says.
However, there has been a rebound quietly happening. Hoffman is quick to praise Sports Drink, the local comedy venue where he hosts his show, for giving a consistent venue to the comedic voices in New Orleans. Outsiders have also taken notice. Sean Patton lives in New York, but is often back home in New Orleans performing at various venues. He says what Sports Drink is doing for the NOLA comedy scene is noble and notable. "What I'm very excited about is the existence of Sports Drink: arguably one of the worst named venues in general, but specifically COMEDY venues I've ever heard in my life. But, it's a great venue," Patton adds with great enthusiasm. Patton is also heartened by the fact that while past venue owners in New Orleans have tried to be center stage, the owners of Sports Drink aren't making that mistake. "Andrew (Stephens), who runs it, isn't getting in the way by trying to be a comedian himself. He's just a huge fan of the CRAFT of comedy and wants to support it. It isn't about his ego. He's just giving artists a great space to perform and be seen. That's something that's been necessary in the New Orleans comedy scene for decades now, and he's the first guy to actually do it right," Patton goes on to add.
While it seems like New Orleans may once again be entering an exciting new era for comedy thanks to a consistent and supportive venue offering up nightly shows, ultimately the responsibility for a New Orleans comedy scene lies on patrons. All the comedians interviewed agreed that without a consistent and engaged audience, even the best shows will dry up as venues move on to entertainment that has been proven before (whether it be music or even trivia nights). Ultimately, if those living in the New Orleans area want a thriving comedy scene, they have to bring themselves and friends to shows and support the art happening every night around them.
Andrew Polk is a New Orleans comedian who produced multiple successful shows in the city and recently filmed his debut standup comedy special at Sports Drink and had similar praise for the venue. "New Orleans has limitless potential when it comes to eccentric and fun venues. The difficulties lie in convincing audiences that sitting down, being quiet, and listening can be just as much fun as hand grenades and body shots. There are a handful of dedicated, talented comedians putting in the hard work with production and ability onstage. Sports Drink is the best showcase in this city for those comics hands down. It's not even close," Polk goes on to say. Andrew Polk's comedy special filmed at Sports Drink debuts on December 3rd live on Youtube.com/SamTallent at 8pm CST. Comedian friends will join the live broadcast after the special debuts for further fun if New Orleans comedy fans are interested in joining in.
While the comedy scene may be going through growing pains, there are signs that it's still growing after all. The ways it's expanding and the directions it may take are unconventional ... but, so is New Orleans.