So…I Was at the Arlington Draft House Friday by John M. Ellison IV

I remember first seeing comedians Erin Jackson and Bryson Turner open for John Witherspoon at the “D.C. Improv” comedy club in 2008. After the show, I found both of their respected Myspace pages and corresponded with Erin and Bryson. In fact, I even sent Erin some of my earliest attempts at being “funny.” Rule number…something, never TRY to be funny! Being funny on purpose is a lot like hemorrhoids. It’s painful, unwanted and easily prevented. I’ve been meaning to check her out whenever she’s in town, but due to scheduling issues on my end I couldn’t check out her set. I even tried to make it to her New Year’s Eve show in 2010, but the “road crew” and I were in Texas on a family vacation. But for every show I couldn’t make, I always got the word out that she was performing so people could check it out.

On April 22, I was checking out my Facebook messages and I noticed invite from Erin Jackson. She was doing a one night only show in Arlington, VA at the “Arlington Draft house.” Well, Arlington isn’t that far from where I am also mom and sis had to pick up my sister’s godsister’s baby in Arlington anyway. So, the missus and I bought two tickets at the gate and mom and sis went to pick up “lil’ dude.” When the missus and I were in the lobby, I noticed that we were surrounded by HIPSTERS! But to be fair, they were friendly though…probably because of the booze. Also I think I offended a drunken hippie with my kind of off color comments while standing in line with the missus.

After we found some seats, we sat down and waited for the show to start. Then the announcer introduced the first comedian Mike Way to the stage. Mike Way was quite funny, more of an observational kind of style. The second set was with comedian Jason Weems, more observational humor that went with the tone of the show but Jason Weems more animated. Either way, both were funny!

The announcer then introduced Erin and when she hit the stage she received quite an enthusiastic reaction from the sold out crowd. There were some familiar jokes that I remember her doing back in ‘08, some material that I read on her blog and some newer material as well. Erin’s set was a great mix of observational humor, public confession and all around very smart comedy.

The thing that I dig about shows like this is the “meet and greet” the performer has with the fans afterwards. Here’s the trouble with me and these moments of fan interaction. You can ask anybody that knows me offline or anybody who I’ve met and made some impression on can confirm that I am REALLY nervous around people I haven’t seen in awhile or meeting for the first time. Basically turn into a very jumpy version of ““Boomhauer”” from “King of the Hill”…well for the first 15 minutes that is.

Anyway, there was a line to meet Erin but she was talking with some fans and I didn’t want to intrude. To not look as awkward by just standing there I saw Jason Weems at the merchandise table with his comedy special on DVD “Jason Weems Intellectual Property Vol. 1.” We spoke briefly; apparently we both dig the same comedians and then I realized who he was. I also picked up a copy of his DVD that I’ll probably do a review on later. Remember, I’m still in “Boomhauer” mode at this point and I was legit afraid that I was going to say something dumb that would take me from my status as “very supportive fan” to “creepy yet helpful stalker.”

So after some comforting words from the missus I stayed in line, then when it was my turn I walked up to Erin and I barely whisper “hi.” From her expression, I could tell that she recognized me from somewhere and said that I looked familiar. In my timid state I said “it’s me…uh, John or SketchofMD on Twitter.” She was pleasantly surprised that I made it out to the show and gave me a hug. What surprised me was that she recognized me by my real name. I also explained to her that I’ve been meaning to check her show out since ‘08 but since I couldn’t make those shows I always made sure that I would get the word out that she was performing. She noticed that I did that for all this time and appreciated it.

It’s still kind of blurry but I remember her asking where I was from; I mentioned that I was out in…well, not going to mention it on here but I originally lived near SE DC. I asked “whatever happened to Bryson?” and she said that he was in New York now. I asked her about her plans she was going to meet with some friends she hasn’t seen in a minute. During the exchange, the missus took some photos of us and she inquired in a friendly matter if they were going to be on my site. Honestly, I was elated that she even noticed my site.

So I scurry off to the side with the missus and after checking out the photos she took I was going to tell Erin that I was about to head back home but I noticed Erin talking to some other fans and I didn’t want to intrude on that. So the missus and I rolled out and headed back home. I’m proud of the strides that Erin’s making and she’s a great example of the power of a strong fan base, hard work and social networking can lead to a sold out show.

If Erin Jackson’s in your town and you’re truly a fan of comedy, it’s imperative that you check her out!