VALDOSTA —
For years, people told Mike Albanese he was a funny guy. Laughs that often accompanied his comments confirmed this observation.
So, the 2006 Valdosta State University marketing graduate moved to Orlando, joined a band, left a band, set his sights on stand-up comedy, moved to Atlanta for its comedy scene, and now makes a living touring as a comedian.
On Thursday evening, Sept. 2, Albanese returns to his old stomping grounds of Valdosta for two shows. He’s joined by headliner Bob Place and a handful of other comedians for a show at VSU followed by a second gig at the Bleu Pub.
Yet making the leap to stand-up did not come easily.
“I always wanted to do it,” Albanese says in a phone interview with The Times. “I’ve always heard I’m funny, but I didn’t want to be that guy who gets up on stage and ruins everything funny he’s ever done.”
During his early attempts at stand-up, he didn’t tell anyone. “I was embarrassed by it,” he says. “I didn’t want anyone to know.”
As a comedian, he’s also endured some tough audiences. He recalls shows when he bombed. On the phone, he turns some of these experiences into funny stories.
“There were times on stage when I thought I should just give this up and get a sales job.”
There was the time a band dropped out of a music festival. The promoter asked Albanese and another comedian to fill the time.
“We jump on stage. Hey, we’re comedians,” Albanese says. “Everyone starts leaving. Five-hundred people. Everyone but about 10 went outside for a smoke break. So, it wasn’t just that 500 people didn’t laugh. We emptied the room. It was brutal.”
Things have gotten better, he says, immediately adding, “Now, I’ll probably come back to town and suck ...”
Self-deprecation is a big part of Albanese’s act partly because he’s a big guy. Imagine a linebacker taking the stage to tell jokes. At 6-foot-6, 290 pounds that’s the immediate impression Albanese makes on stage.
He doesn’t think his appearance intimidates anyone. The man some call Big Mike often hears he’s more like a teddy bear than a grizzly bear. Still, some of his humor revolves around living large in a shrinking world.
Intimidation was supposed to be part of his job working as a bouncer several years ago at Charley O’Corley’s in Remerton. Even dealing with trouble makers, he often applied humor to situations first rather than employing physical force.
“I tried staying as hands off as I could,” Albanese says. “I was a college student first. The last thing I wanted was trouble.”
Now, Albanese spends his time touring college campuses and college towns, bringing stand-up comedy to students. He is part of a Spike TV pilot set in various college towns. He asks college students questions as part of the program.
Even with a potential TV deal and making comedy his career, Albanese won’t go as far as saying his stand-up dreams have come true.
“I’d say I’m living the dream,” he says. “The dream will have come true when I can pay more bills.”
SHOWTIME
Mike Albanese, headline Bob Plate, and other comedians perform two Sept. 2 Valdosta shows.
— 7 p.m. Thursday, VSU University Center, off North Patterson Street.
— 10 p.m. Thursday, Bleu Pub, 116 W. Hill Ave. Cover charge at the door.
Local News
Make ’Em Laugh: VSU alum, bouncer returns to Valdosta as comedian
- Local News
-
-
Musician shares life experiences in new CD
Given his voice has echoed from area stages and pubs for more than 20 years, it’s hard to believe Joe Smothers has never issued an album of original music.
-
City identifies mosquito carrying West Nile Virus
A mosquito captured within city limits was identified last week as a carrier of the West Nile Virus. In response, city employees have made extensive efforts to ensure mosquito populations are monitored and citizens are safe.
-
Tropical Storm Alberto expected to stay offshore
Alberto is holding on to tropical storm strength as it spins east off the coast of Florida.
-
Released prisoner charged in kidnap, assault of teen
After being released from state prison a couple of months ago, a Quitman resident is back behind bars on multiple charges related to the sexual assault of a 14-year-old male on Friday evening.
-
DOT to unveil memorial for fallen local hero
State and local officials will convene this Memorial Day weekend to honor the life and service of a fallen sailor.
-
Burn victim in Lowndes airlifted to Shands
Emergency personnel loaded a burn victim into a lifeflight helicopter in north Lowndes Sunday
afternoon and took off for Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla., according to first responders on the scene. -
Election candidate qualifying set for this week
The presidential election in November will undoubtedly be an important vote for many citizens, but there are plenty of local options available for South Georgia residents in the July 31 primaries.
-
Saying farewell to LHS’ Class of 2012
Lowndes High School’s largest graduating class of more than 600 students received their diplomas Saturday at Martin Field during the commencement ceremony for the class of 2012, with more than 200 honor graduates, a record-breaking 78 school service medal recipients and a collective $11.8 million worth of scholarship money awarded to various students.
-
GCS hosting Laura Bush
Georgia Christian School began its annual fundraising dinner by inviting sports figures to serve as speakers. Last year, the school sold out the Valdosta State University venue by hosting former GOP presidential candidate and popular FOX News personality Mike Huckabee.
This year, Georgia Christian School’s 2012 Benefit Dinner hosts former First Lady Laura Bush.
Georgia Christian Headmaster Brad Lawson and school representatives Ryan Warren and Travis Lewis met with The Times last week to discuss the First Lady’s scheduled Oct. 25 Valdosta appearance. -
Times wins 17 AP awards
The Valdosta Daily Times won 17 awards Saturday during the 2011 Georgia Associated Press Awards luncheon, including first place in the state for Public Service, Freedom of Information, Graphics & Illustration and Feature Photo.
- More Local News Headlines
-
