Hello, Brothers and Sisters.
That’s so weird-looking written down. I imagine there are churches that start their emails like that.
I just got back from Salt Lake City. I love it.
I know I always say that when I get back. I can’t really put my finger on why I love it. You wouldn’t think that would be one of the places where I have a lot of fans but I sold out four shows. I always do there. That’s about 1200 tickets. It’s always been one of the handful of cities where I work out my new stuff.
The assumption with some of these cities is that I really couldn’t do a theatre there or they only have a huge theatre or I can swing back through in six months with the set worked out.
Salt Lake is a once a year thing for me generally and it’s always productive. I acknowledge the weirdness. Always. I know that the place is a kind of electric sterile but it’s not bleak. I know that it's basically a functioning theocracy. I know Mormonism is an odd, truly American religion. When we landed at the airport the missionaries were returning. There were hundreds of people with signs welcoming them back. The women seem to be in updated pioneer wear. Which I found out to be true. The ladies are allowed to wear schmattas with flowers now. Progress? Who knows?
The fact is, the people in Salt Lake are always nice, seemingly decent, caring people. Actively. I think the fact that drinking does not seem to be a huge part of the culture. I mean, I don’t know how many Mormons come to my shows but I’m sure there are many. The audiences are just great. They listen. I trust them.
So did Howard Hughes and the mob. For very different reasons than the ones I have.
I think that’s it though. The trust. I’m working on material that’s kind of deep and a bit risky for me emotionally. So, SLC was the perfect place to do it. Again, I trusted them. I knew they would stay with it, not be judgmental and I could see if I could get through to the laugh and let it sit.
I appreciate the SLC audiences for that. Look, I know that as a state and a city it’s not perfect. It may even be dangerously weird and with the same problems all cities have. They’ve always been good for me. I’m glad it was the first club stop with this new set.
Today I talk to the amazing Jessica Chastain. Just being in her presence was a bit intense for me. On Thursday I talk to comedian Nimesh Patel. Great week.
Enjoy!
Boomer, Monkey and LaFonda live!
Love,
Maron
Progress? Who Knows?
