Colin Butler on his New York comedic debut.
Nelson A. King
Patrons attending the New York Edition of the inaugural Vincy Comedy Fest at St. Gabriel Episcopal Church’s Golden Hall on Hawthorne Street in Brooklyn on Sept. 13 found out it was, indeed, a laughing matter, leaving them wanting more.
The legendary comedy team of Earl “Ole George,” Colin Butler, Kevin Rodriguez, and the Agape dramatists gave New Yorkers a belly full of clean but ever so funny Vincentian humor.
Much of the comedy material was heavily based on Vincentian culture.
Daniel, a veteran stand-up Vincentian comedian, of close to four decades, who conceptualized the show, told Caribbean Life afterwards that he was “more than satisfied with all the performances on stage.
“I had more than an idea what was going to happen that night, but I don’t think the crowd knew what they were in for,” he said.
“Many of them did not know what hit them as they fell victim to the merciless comedians, who only stepped on the gas as they delivered line after line,” he added.
Daniel said shows of this nature have been missing in New York and that he was happy that “the opportunity presented itself for it to take place.”
The show featured, among other skits and stand-up comics, “Lucy,” “Potty,” “Strong Man,” “Big People,” “Jumbie,” “The Jewel Store,” “Shoebido,” “Dr. Death,” “Manifesto,” “Chocolate,” “Rome,” “Sleep on Top,” “Body Confusion,” and “Bakes.”
In his opening act, Daniel — who had walked for eight consecutive days in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Jamaica; and Atlanta, GA – said upon arriving from Montreal, Canada, where he resides, he “had an instant headache.
“So, I went to the pharmacy, and asked for Ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug),” he said. “The pharmacist asked me, ‘where is the pain?’
Daniel said he responded: “She’s back home (the crowd rolled).”
Before ripping the audience with laughter, Butler disclosed that: “Vincy people really pushed me a lot. The main thing is to push our culture.
“If you’re a proud Vincy tonight, make some noise,” he added.
The crowd reciprocated.
Daniel said the show met his expectations and that “the stage is set for next year’s event.”
He said he was pleased with the response and was “excited and ready to serve up more laughter.”
Daniel lauded Vincentian-owned Pittance Bar and Woodzy Lounge in Brooklyn for their support.
He also showered praise of his New York counterpart and compatriot Cathy St. Hillaire.
“Cathy ran with the idea and immediately began putting things in place,” said Daniel, stating that he looks forward to working closely with her in the future.