I write this knowing that there is a chance that someone reading this may get upset that I put it on my website. I won't mention names, not out of respect, but out of professional courtesy.

I was told by someone two weeks ago that I would be “allowed” to perform locally. This was then preceeded by a serious talk about my performance and stage persona. It turns out that this person feels I alienate the audience and I show a negative response when the audience doesn't “get” a joke. Which I do agree with, to a point. It's true, I've said it before off stage and on stage, i've posted journal entries about it. When in El Paso, you have to “dumb it down” for some folks. This is not a surprise. We are ranked the most illiterate, overweight, and sweatiest city in America. That's sad in it's self. I do get upset. Now under those conditions I promised to do what I needed to do so that doesn't happen. “Get the energy up, get the show going.” And I did. I did the CHOLO jokes, I did the LOWER VALLEY jokes, I did the fluff bullshit. I feel like a sell out, but it was business.

Here's what pisses me off: I haven't worked a regular scheduled week for this place since December. I've been in town about a lot, but I just haven't been put on the schedule. I've given this place my schedule over two months in advance in the hopes that I can be put on the schedule when I am in town. No Luck. I'm thinking it's because of my problem “bring the audiences down.” “taking them in a strange direction” My bad. I fucked up, so I don't work much. But then I agree to the terms, I keep my end of the deal then Friday night, I am told as people are walking by me selling my cd's, that I can not sell cd's. Or any merchandise for that matter. Why? I don't know. I was told this while I am selling, as people are walking around me and looking at my cd's. I am being told that I am an opening act, I can not sell my cd's.

Now a week before I cleared this with the the headlining comic as well as with the other comic before any of us set foot on stage that week. Now it honestly doesn't piss me off that I can not sell my cd's there. It pisses me off that I was not told about this the other five times I had been selling my cd's in the past. I am pissed that there is not a sign backstage to tell me this, but if I happen to let the “F” word out accidently, there is a full color sign there a few days later. I am pissed that I do what I am told to do, and I still manage to do something wrong.

I work my ass off for this. I work my ass off for this place. I work as a bouncer when they need me too. I stay there over 18hrs at a time if they need me to. I've even mopped the men's restrooms right before I go onstage if they need me to. And I still manage to do something wrong each time. I am not a bouncer. I am not a janitor. I am not a driving instructor. I am a comedian. I am sorry I can't be anything else anymore. This post may get me fired from ever working locally in the future. If you are reading this, which I think you are, I hope that's what you wanted. Congrats, you beat me. You win.
=============================================

My last performance may be the week of May 11th – 14th. I don't want it to be. But it may. If it even takes that long. Please get the word out to everyone that you know who may want to support me and my career. This may be the last chance to see me live in this city. I need people to go see me, if there is a next time. I need you guy's help. I need you to call the place and tell them you want to see me perform there. Tell them you think I'm funny. PLEASE. (915) 591-8877. Leave messages if you'd like or call after 5pm wednesdays – saturdays. I wouldn't prostitute myself like this just for the hell of it.
I have uploaded some newer audio clips on MySpace.com if you would like to hear, please go to www.MySpace.com/CharlieMoreno