Day 6...Three Very Diverse Shows in Baghdad, Iraq

Of all the shows we have done so far I would have to say that the least expected one turned out to be the most memorable. We were supposed to fly out of Baghdad this morning to do one of those small bases but when we arrived at the air field it was another wait and see deal because there was yet another sand storm forecasted. They call it "Being Dusted Out" and looking back I am glad we didn't take off because chances are we would have been stuck overnight or even two days with just our day pack at one of these outposts. Would rather be stuck here in Baghdad to be honest because at least I can call or email from here where as a computer let alone a phone is considered a luxury in the middle of the desert.

Because we were grounded we wound up doing three very different shows today the first inside of a hanger for these Army maintenance workers who work on keeping those generators running 24/7 out in the desert. It was one of those non-microphone type of gigs so we did a sort of an abbreviated version of our full hour show. We did the 'meet & greet' after and Graham gave away a skateboard that was given to him by this company called Element Skateboard. They gave him six total and they're all packed in this one box that he has been carting around to all of the bases but because he only has six (thank God because that box is heavy especially when hauling them on and off the aircraft) wants to make sure only those who really like the sport get one. That's why I brought coffee because it is lighter and definitely in demand (plus lighter than six skateboards). The second show we did was at a combination prison/medical facility inside of a non denominational hall that usually doesn't have stand up comedy on their agenda.
That show too went over pretty well. The last show so far though had to rank as my personal favorite because I was able to get access to an acoustic guitar. The last time I was able to utilize an acoustic in my act was in Kuwait at Ali Al-Salem Air Base so now I can officially say I have a lso used a guitar in Iraq as well here on Stryker Base. It just so happened that the show we did was combined with an American Idol type of show that had been planned over two months ago. It featured nine singers who qualified for the contest with the winner from tonight's show going on to compete with winners from other military installations from around the world. Wow. It's called "Operation Rising Star" and wouldn't you know it they needed a host for tonight's show.

Enter one Graham Elwood who just happens to not only be a fine comedian but has hosted game shows for years on both network and cable television. The first part of their contest was having to sing a song accapella and then later would get to sing with music sort of like karaoke. Graham was very good bringing them up asking for their name, their rank their hometown and what song they had selected to sing. When the last singer was done he then brought me up and I did my 20 minutes of stand up and it went over great. I even tossed in some new material about the locals and how the military uses Ugandans as part of their security forces. They don't laugh very much probably because they don't quite understand American humor. I have to say that being here now almost a week have made a few astute observations about performing on a military base and the excessive heat here and stuff that only those being stationed in Baghdad would appreciate. Now that I had a borrowed guitar I was able to do my "La Bamba" bit and it went over really well which I closed with. Oh, forgot to mention that it was an outdoor show with a nice wooden stage built for us and bleachers for about several hundred military personnel, it brings a lot of meaning to 'telling jokes," for our heros.
There are some really talented singers here in the Army and they all seem to love Country music. I mean two of the contestants just happened to sing Garth Brooks songs so what are the odds of that happening? When the last singer finished Graham brought me back up to do some filler because the winner was going to be determined both by judges and also from the audience so that takes time to gather up all of those ballots so it was a very good thing that the folks here were able to requisition me a guitar. I first did my medley of songs with lyrics that aren't part of the song but sound like they could fit into the song and that went over great. Graham was out in the audience singling me to stretch because they were still tallying up the votes. I did something I hadn't done in a long time and that was making up a song on the spot which I used to do all of the time even before getting into stand up comedy. Once I had the progression of chords down I started singing really whatever just flowed into my head so I started singing about how I felt about being over here and how the soldiers want to go home. Basically I sang "I really could use a beer and wish that none of you were here" and it lasted probably about five minutes maybe a little longer tough to say as I was really wrapped up in the moment. All I remember was looking out and seeing everyone in their camouflage uniforms and rifles and I felt like some folk singer just improvising as I went along. When I finally found a good place to end the song they cheered like nothing I was used to. The funny thing is I spotted Graham out in the audience again signing me to stretch it further! Hahaha. So I thought I would try an original song this time and when I mentioned that it was one of my first songs tht aired on The Dr. Demento Show was surprised that they had even heard of him! I did a song I hadn't played in ages called "I Wanna Be Catholic" and they really enjoyed it and I think I remembered all of the words too we'll have to see when they send me the DVD as the Army was taping the whole program. When I finished with my song I could see that Graham was motioning to me that he was ready but he asked if I wanted to do another song? I thought that after doing maybe fifteen minutes plus of guitar stuff thought it would be good to conclude right when I did. Graham was literally blown away and told me, "Man, this is what showbiz is all about, especially making up a song on the spot." I told them that it's easier to just make something up because that way you don't have to memorize any lyrics you know (a little secret). Now that I think about it hours later it was almost as if all of this was pre-determined because they needed a host for their "Operation Rising Star" (insert Graham)
and when they needed someone to fill time while the ballots were being counted (insert Howie) we just happened to be on the bill with Scott this time and you know how I feel about things happening for a reason. If you don't let's just say I believe things happen for a reason:). We took lots of pictures and the Army also had a professional photographer taking shots all evening so I gave her my card and look forward to getting all of tonight's memories captured to share here. In fact she posted some here now so thank you once again.

It really was amazing and even though Nancy is nervous that I am over here (it's nice being missed and loved) I reminded her tonight that I think being here has been a really good thing. I know there were a lot of appreciative soldiers who came up to us after thanking us for being over here but we just keep tha nking them for defending our freedom. It really is a humbling experience that has been sinking in now for the past week, it's like we get to give something back , give them a piece of home, make them laugh(hopefully) , it means like there's a purpose finally for what we're doin. On the ride back to our barracks Graham was still talking about what are the odds we would be here together on the same line up and a show (which he referred to as a great variety show from the old days) like this would happen? By the way the entire show lasted two and a half hours.

Graham is here next to me emailing/blogging his wife and we're both looking forward to tomorrow because we get to meet a few generals who are visiting here and also get to tour one of Saddam's palaces! It's another world here for sure...