Whitmer Thomas: The Golden One

Whitmer Thomas has crafted a beautiful show. The Golden One, his first HBO special, is vulnerable and bristling with a combustible energy just beneath the skin. Lovingly crafted stand-up with elements of documentary & storytelling, I had the pleasure of seeing Thomas workshop this material at the intimate Lyric Hyperion theatre in 2019. A year later, upon driving home one evening, I would discover him perched, crosslegged, on a billboard above Hollywood Blvd. Sailing underneath a giant version of the affable comedian was surreal, but not unexpected. Even from our brief chat after his show, I knew he was sharpening his set for something big. In my driver’s seat, I actually yelped out: “Hey, nice job, Whit!” as if he was a friend of mine. As a performer, he has that ability, though. Makes you feel like you’re sharing a laugh, as only friends would.

Genevieve Rice

In equal measure, I both admire and fear the exacting, withering wit of comedian Genevieve Rice. Thus, my first in a series of stand up "trading cards," to celebrate both hers, and the voices of other comedians I admire. 

2018 Bird City Comedy Festival

Since its inception in 2016, The Bird City Comedy Festival in Phoenix, Arizona has blossomed into a premiere destination for some of the best voices in comedy, improv storytelling & sketch to stretch their wings in the Valley of the Sun. This year, founder and friend Genevieve Rice has trusted me to brand her event, as per our little friend above us. Be on the look-out this spring for apparel and merchandise, as I will undoubtedly by updating this blog with photos of comedians as ersatz fashion models slaying this graphic tee.