A heartfelt thanks to:
Dave Barry, whose hilarious books and columns have made me laugh more and harder than anyone else in this world. It was his works that first inspired me to write humor.
Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Eddie Murphy, Jim Gaffigan, Arj Barker, Daniel Tosh, Mitch Hedberg, Greg Fitzsimmons, Dane Cook, Lewis Black, Ted Alexandro, Todd Barry, Anthony Jeselnik, Mike Birbiglia and certainly many others I'm forgetting for making me fall in love with the art of standup comedy.
My sister, Lori Holland, who I would force to read my old blogs while I was on the phone with her so I could listen to her laugh. She was also the one that told me that I could be a standup comic when I told her I could never do it.
My parents, Ken and Norlina Simmons, who have always been supportive of my dreams no matter how silly, outlandish or stupid they seemed to be.
T. Brad Hudson, for being the first-ever comic to give me advice about how to get started, putting me up at his pad in Baltimore so I could perform for only the second time in my life, and supporting me after I bombed horrifically at his show.
J-me Merrill Hill, for being the first-ever comic to actually hand me a microphone, which was returned to her five long minutes later drenched in sweat.
Magnum Jackson, for "discovering" me and consistently putting me on his shows ever since, AND for our hours-long phone conversations about comedy that never seem to get old.
Mariannette Torres, for our all-night writing sessions where she's helped me learn how to steer the emotions of an audience. And for all the free Puerto Rican food.
Max Doyle, who's put me on stage at his bar, the Celtic Ray, several times and is a hilarious comedian in his own right.
Bryan Hamilton, whose constant nagging and kicking of my comedic ass helps motivate me to write and perform.
Josh Pollock, may he rest in peace, for our writing sessions, and for all the free tacos.
Joel Morris, who's currently filming a documentary about standup comics, and had no idea I would rip part of it off for my banner picture.
And to all the venues--big and small--who've allowed me on their stage, like Tampa Improv, Hollywood Improv, Off the Hook Comedy Club, Reserve, Rack'em Billiards, Oriole of Lehigh, Top Chef, Fred's, and a boatload of others.
Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Eddie Murphy, Jim Gaffigan, Arj Barker, Daniel Tosh, Mitch Hedberg, Greg Fitzsimmons, Dane Cook, Lewis Black, Ted Alexandro, Todd Barry, Anthony Jeselnik, Mike Birbiglia and certainly many others I'm forgetting for making me fall in love with the art of standup comedy.
My sister, Lori Holland, who I would force to read my old blogs while I was on the phone with her so I could listen to her laugh. She was also the one that told me that I could be a standup comic when I told her I could never do it.
My parents, Ken and Norlina Simmons, who have always been supportive of my dreams no matter how silly, outlandish or stupid they seemed to be.
T. Brad Hudson, for being the first-ever comic to give me advice about how to get started, putting me up at his pad in Baltimore so I could perform for only the second time in my life, and supporting me after I bombed horrifically at his show.
J-me Merrill Hill, for being the first-ever comic to actually hand me a microphone, which was returned to her five long minutes later drenched in sweat.
Magnum Jackson, for "discovering" me and consistently putting me on his shows ever since, AND for our hours-long phone conversations about comedy that never seem to get old.
Mariannette Torres, for our all-night writing sessions where she's helped me learn how to steer the emotions of an audience. And for all the free Puerto Rican food.
Max Doyle, who's put me on stage at his bar, the Celtic Ray, several times and is a hilarious comedian in his own right.
Bryan Hamilton, whose constant nagging and kicking of my comedic ass helps motivate me to write and perform.
Josh Pollock, may he rest in peace, for our writing sessions, and for all the free tacos.
Joel Morris, who's currently filming a documentary about standup comics, and had no idea I would rip part of it off for my banner picture.
And to all the venues--big and small--who've allowed me on their stage, like Tampa Improv, Hollywood Improv, Off the Hook Comedy Club, Reserve, Rack'em Billiards, Oriole of Lehigh, Top Chef, Fred's, and a boatload of others.